BANGKOK: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli highlighted Nepal’s national aspirations of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” during his address at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
In his speech, PM Oli aligned Nepal’s goals with the summit’s main themes of prosperity, resilience, and openness.
He stated that these themes resonate deeply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Nepal’s national vision.
He stressed the importance of revitalizing regional cooperation, urging BIMSTEC members to take advantage of changing times and enhance collaborative efforts for prosperity and well-being.
“The theme of the Summit will provide us with a scale that is in favor of the people, prosperity, and well-being,” said Prime Minister Oli.
The Prime Minister called for unified efforts to harness the region’s potential and better utilize available resources. He also highlighted the need for special assistance to countries within BIMSTEC with specific challenges.
Addressing the ongoing climate crisis, Prime Minister Oli pointed out that the Himalayas, which serve as a vital water source for Asia, are disproportionately affected by climate change, despite Nepal’s low carbon emissions. He noted that the impact of this crisis extends beyond the mountains, affecting lower Terai and coastal regions.
PM Oli also announced Nepal’s upcoming initiative, the Sagarmatha Sambaad, which will be held in May to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the mountains and the critical relationship between mountains and oceans.
The summit also saw the signing of the ‘BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation’ agreement. Leaders from Thailand, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka also addressed the gathering.
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