Bimstec security chiefs endorse maritime law enforcement principles
The guidelines aim to improve safety and predictability during maritime engagements among member countries.
National security advisers and heads of delegations from seven Bimstec member states, including Bangladesh, have endorsed a set of guiding principles for maritime law enforcement agencies to ensure safer and more predictable interactions at sea.
The principles were approved at the fifth meeting of the Bimstec national security chiefs, hosted by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in New Delhi today (16 July).
The guidelines will serve as a reference framework for maritime engagements among Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, according to an official statement.
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The meeting also adopted guidelines for the maritime component of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, aimed at enabling member states to conduct emergency response activities more efficiently across the region.
Bangladesh's delegation was led by Brigadier General (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Defence Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
During the meeting, the participants discussed practical measures to counter terrorism and organised crime, strengthen security cooperation in cyber, maritime and energy sectors, improve regional connectivity, enhance disaster management and address emerging security challenges.
Bimstec Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey briefed the meeting on the progress of security cooperation among member states and highlighted developments across various areas of collaboration.
Bimstec, which connects South and Southeast Asia, has expanded cooperation in regional security, disaster management, transport and trade connectivity, technology, and people-to-people exchanges over the years.
As the regional grouping approaches its 30th anniversary next year, the security chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, sharing knowledge and building institutional capacity to address evolving security threats.
