Press Release
Visit of External Affairs Minister to Bangkok, Thailand (15-18 July, 2023) to co-chair the 12th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Ministerial Meeting and attend the first BIMSTEC Retreat
18 July 2023
Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India (EAM) paid an official visit to Bangkok, Thailand from 15-18 July 2023 to co-chair the 12th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Meeting along with H.E. Mr. Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, and to attend the first Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Retreat hosted by Thailand, the current Chair of BIMSTEC.
The 12th MGC Meeting was organised in Bangkok on 16 July 2023 to take forward the cooperation agenda of the oldest six-member sub-regional cooperation mechanism in the region. The areas identified for cooperation include tourism, culture, education and connectivity, including transport and communications. Among other things, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the need to prioritise the early implementation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway, along with expeditious conclusion of the IMT Motor Vehicles Agreement. He also underscored India’s commitment to the cause of this sub-regional cooperation through implementation of MGC Quick Impact Projects, MGC scholarships, Centres of Excellence in Software Development and Training and MGC Traditional Textile Museum. India welcomed the initiative of the countries of the Mekong sub-region to synergize various developmental initiatives in the region under the umbrella of Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). The Ministers agreed to set up the MGC Business Council to take forward economic cooperation. They also agreed to explore and promote new areas of development partnership and to expand the ambit of exchanges in agriculture, science and technology and water resource management. A Joint Ministerial Statement was also adopted at the end of the meeting.
Thailand, in its capacity as current chair of BIMSTEC, hosted the first-ever BIMSTEC Retreat in Bangkok on 17 July 2023. The Retreat provided a good opportunity to the BIMSTEC member countries to carry forward the BIMSTEC cooperation agenda through productive, open and forward looking discussions. The Retreat focussed on strengthening of resilience and coordination among BIMSTEC members, reflecting the challenges of the day. The Ministers also explored new facets and activities with the view to enter new areas of cooperation. Discussions included matters of common concerns, including food, health and energy security. EAM agreed that technology solutions can be subject for both collaboration and exchange of best practices and that the common objective of BIMSTEC is to enhance growth and promote prosperity. The Ministers agreed to meet frequently to take these ideas further.
Earlier, on 15 July, EAM addressed and interacted with the Indian Community in Thailand and spoke about the significance of the historical and cultural relationship between the two countries. During his address, EAM highlighted how developments and transformation in India are attracting the interest of the world. He also mentioned that BIMSTEC and MGC represented our continued efforts at deepening linkages between India and Thailand, as well as other countries of the region. He also underscored the increased exchanges in the field of security and defence and the importance of connectivity, including IMT Trilateral Highway, as a potential game changer. EAM conveyed the Prime Minister’s message of Amrit Kaal and its significance for India and the Indian community in Thailand.
On 17 July, EAM, along with other BIMSTEC Ministers, called on H. E. Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister of Thailand and conveyed greetings and good wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared India’s commitment to further strengthen the BIMSTEC. EAM also held bilateral meetings and had engaging discussions with the delegations of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand, on the sidelines of MGC Meeting and BIMSTEC Retreat on 16 and 17 July 2023. On 18 July 2023, EAM visited the historic city of Ayutthaya, which has deep cultural connect with India and Indian traditions. In 1991, the Ayutthaya Historical Park was declared as a UNCESCO World Heritage Site.
Bangkok
18 July 2023
****
