H.E. Mr. Tenzen Lekphell, the Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand on 15 June 2022, during the former’s official visit to Thailand during 12 - 16 June 2022.

Both sides exchanged views on how to strengthen cooperation within the framework of BIMSTEC and its future. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasised Thailand's role during the chairmanship in enhancing cooperation among Member States, especially in the connectivity sector, where Thailand is the Lead Country.

During his visit, the Secretary General attended the Exhibition of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of BIMSTEC at ICONSIAM and delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony. Secretary General reiterated that BIMSTEC remains a core mechanism of South and Southeast Asia to promote prosperity, stability and peace of the two regions. In addition, Secretary General also visited the Ministry of Transport of Thailand and received a briefing on “BIMSTEC Connectivity and Thailand”.