BIMSTEC fosters strong regional cooperation among member states while strictly adhering to a policy of non-interference in internal political affairs.

PRESIDENT of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing received a del­egation led by Mr Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of BIMSTEC, at the Pres­idential Palace Reception Hall in Nay Pyi Taw yester­day morning.

At the meeting, the President stated that the establishment of BIMSTEC will turn 30 in coming year with the good objectives and it has achieved successful records in its efforts. The BIMSTEC is an organization in which member countries have good cooperation with­out political interference in each other’s internal affairs. Myanmar has made every effort to ensure that a free and fair multiparty demo­cratic general election was held successfully.

The BIMSTEC Sec­retary-General discussed the prospects of Myanmar and its people to achieve socioeconomic develop­ment, peace and stability of the nation under the leadership of the Pres­ident-led government, the active cooperation of Myanmar with BIMSTEC member states, the plans of BIMSTEC to host meet­ings and other activities in the near future and to continuously enhance co­operate with Myanmar.

They cordially ex­changed views on the full cooperation of Myanmar in BIMSTEC, and needs to participate in develop­ment of landlocked Nepal and Bhutan. Myanmar will serve responsibilities of the BIMSTEC Secre­tary-General in coming year with utmost efforts. They also discussed the further promotion of rela­tions between BIMSTEC states and peoples.

After the meeting, the President and the BIMS­TEC Secretary-General exchanged commemora­tive gifts.

Also present at the meeting were Union Min­ister at the President’s Of­fice U Khin Maung Yi, Un­ion Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe and officials. The BIMS­TEC Secretary-General was accompanied by offi­cials. — MNA/TTA