COLOMBO, 2 April, 2021 (TON): While addressing the 17^th Ministerial Meeting of Bay of Bengal initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) virtually on Thursday, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunawardena emphasized on enhancing the transport connectivity between the BIMSTEC countries.

The need to focus on expediting the adoption of the BIMSTEC Transport Connectivity Master Plan was also brought into focus by the FM.

The plan was finalized by the Third Working Group and the Asian Development Bank.

The Minister said transport connectivity which include coastal shipping, waterways, ports and harbors used over centuries and today road connections and air cargo capable of withstanding future disruptions, is vital for the supply chains, people to people contact and development of the region.

The Foreign Minister at the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the BIMSTEC which comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, informed that the platform would provide Speakers and Parliamentarians space for greater understanding, trust and friendship and to exchange ideas and information on parliamentary practices and commitment on democratic principles.

The BIMISTEC Ministers reviewed the progress made since the fourth BIMSTEC Summit held in Kathmandu in 2018, where Sri Lanka was elected as Chair.

However, the Foreign Minister was elected as Chair of the meeting and State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya led the Sri Lanka delegation at the meeting.