NEW DELHI: Highlighting India's notable progress in promoting its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasized the significance of recent meetings held in Thailand, by the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC).

Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar shared, "Concluded my visit to Thailand for the BIMSTEC and Mekong Ganga Cooperation meetings. Advancing Neighbourhood First and Act East policies."

Participating in the inaugural BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 17, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar engaged with foreign ministers from all seven member countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, the current chair of BIMSTEC.

The discussions during the meeting primarily revolved around India's foreign policy, particularly the Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy, with a focused effort to strengthen relations with Asia-Pacific nations.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration on global issues and United Nations-related matters, the BIMSTEC Retreat highlighted the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the need to address climate change. A statement released by Thailand's Foreign Ministry reflected this shared perspective.

In addition to these key topics, the retreat delved into discussions regarding BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection, advancements in agriculture technology, cultural cooperation, youth exchange programs, and diplomatic training. The participating nations unanimously recognized the significance of establishing crisis response mechanisms to effectively manage potential contingencies in the region.

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement stating, "There was a broad consensus on the importance of creating crisis response mechanisms to coordinate various contingencies. Food security, public health, energy, financial stability, trade, and economic cooperation were also central to the discussions."

Furthermore, the retreat explored the potential establishment of digital payment systems, trade settlements, as well as cooperation in cyber security and the prevention of transnational crimes.

The Retreat, chaired by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Don Pramudwinai, saw the participation of Foreign Ministers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. They agreed to hold such gatherings on a regular basis, preferably in the first quarter of each year. Moreover, India extended an invitation to host the next BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2023.

Furthermore, on July 16, during the 12th Mekong Ganga Cooperation meeting in Bangkok, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, alongside his Lao PDR counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, prioritized the implementation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

During this meeting, it was decided to establish a Mekong Ganga Cooperation Business Council to enhance economic cooperation and promote exchanges in agriculture, science and technology, as well as water resource management.

Additionally, the participants explored new avenues for development partnership, including the implementation of Quick Impact Projects, and furthered cooperation in culture, tourism, and museum-based initiatives.

The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, established in November 2000, consists of six member countries: India, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The primary focus of this cooperation lies in areas such as tourism, culture, education, transportation, and museum-based initiatives.

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