Kathmandu, August 31
The fourth summit of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation has concluded in Kathmandu on Friday.
The summit issued an 18 point Kathmandu Declaration with a promise to promote cooperation among the member states–Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand–in various areas.
The countries also signed a memorandum of understanding for grid interconnection.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli handed over the chairpersonship of the regional body to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
Four leaders to leave today
Four heads of states and governments who had come to Nepal for the fourth BIMSTEC summit will be leaving Kathmandu today.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Shek Hasina Wazed has already left the Nepali capital at 11 am today before the summit ended due to political protests ongoing in her country.
Meanwhile, President of Myanmar Win Myint will also depart today at 4 pm. Following him is Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at 4:30 pm.
The last leader to leave today will be Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will leave at 8 pm.
Modi will be visiting Pashipatinath Temple to inaugurate a dharmashala (religious guesthouse) in the area. He will also sign an MOU with PM KP Sharma Oli regarding the Raxaul-Kathmandu railway.
Of two remaining guests, Bhutan’s Chief Justice and Chief Advisor to the interim government, Dasho Tshering Wangchuk, will leave tomorrow whereas Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will stay in Nepal till Sunday.
Meanwhile, the summit that began yesterday is concluding later this afternoon.
