2025-04-04T08:10:12.000Z

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BANGKOK (AP) — In a significant gathering of regional leaders, nations surrounding the Bay of Bengal committed to bolstering trade and transportation cooperation as they wrapped up a summit in Bangkok on Friday. The summit, which included leaders from seven countries, also focused on an urgent humanitarian response following a devastating earthquake that recently struck Myanmar and Thailand, leading to the tragic loss of over 3,000 lives.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of the leaders' consensus on increasing efforts for natural disaster relief. In a joint statement issued after the discussions, the leaders expressed their “condolences, solidarity, and commitment to supporting the affected countries,” acknowledging the severe impact of the recent earthquake.

Despite the summit's focus on cooperation and humanitarian aid, it was not without controversy. The attendance of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, sparked significant debate among participants and observers. Min Aung Hlaing has faced widespread condemnation from the international community following his military takeover in 2021, which was accompanied by reports of severe human rights abuses and brutal repression against dissidents in Myanmar.

Notably, Min Aung Hlaing has been barred from participating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), another regional bloc to which Myanmar belongs, due to his government’s actions. Critics of the military regime have urged BIMSTEC to avoid engagement with him, complicating the dynamics of the summit.

This summit marked Min Aung Hlaing's first diplomatic visit outside of Myanmar’s traditional allies, which include China, Russia, and Belarus, since attending a regional meeting in Indonesia in 2021. His presence at the BIMSTEC summit could indicate shifting tides in regional diplomatic relations, although it remains contentious.

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura, confirmed that Prime Minister Paetongtarn conducted a bilateral meeting with Min Aung Hlaing. They discussed vital issues including relief efforts for the earthquake and cooperation on border security. The agenda also covered concerns related to illegal trade, drug smuggling, and the growing threats posed by online scams in the region.

Among other notable attendees at the summit were Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the Bangladesh government, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom highlighted their countries’ readiness to collaborate on regional challenges.

It is worth noting that this summit was initially scheduled for last year but was postponed following the removal of Thailand’s then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin by a court order. The chairmanship of BIMSTEC has now transitioned to Bangladesh, signaling an evolving leadership dynamic within this regional cooperation framework.