On 16 October 2016, H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Thailand, represented Thailand at the BIMSTEC Outreach at BRICS Summit 2016 in Goa, India. The event is a gathering of 11 leaders including those from BRICS Members, namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and BIMSTEC Members which are India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. At the beginning of the Summit, the Leaders stood one minute in silence to pay respect to the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

          Mr. Futrakul emphasized Thailand’s commitment to BIMSTEC particularly to encourage concrete of cooperation under BIMSTEC. Thailand stressed that free trade and investment along with multidimensional connectivity especially through people-to-people contacts, tourism, culture and logistical infrastructure must be encouraged and be given priority.

          Thailand welcomed the meeting as it has brought momentum to the preceding Summits namely the G20 Summit, the representation of the G77 at the meeting and the 2^nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Bangkok. These Summits are testimony to the rise of Asia or the “Asian Century”. The Meeting welcomed Thai foreign policy as a bridge builder for the benefit of developing countries through her position as G77 Chair for 2016.