On 24 October 2023, H.E. Mr. Tenzin Lekphell, Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), paid a farewell call on H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Both sides discussed ways to advance BIMSTEC agenda under Thailand’s chairmanship and potential areas of cooperation, as well as enhancing BIMSTEC dynamism.

On this occasion, Vice Minister commended BIMSTEC Secretary-General for the latter’s active role in advancing BIMSTEC cooperation during his three-year term. His contribution has led to the achievement of several noteworthy milestones, including the establishment of Eminent Persons’ Group, the finalization of the Rules of Procedure for BIMSTEC Mechanisms and Bangkok Vision 2030.

Vice Minister also expressed appreciation for the Secretary General’s support towards Thailand’s chairmanship, and reaffirmed the commitment as Thailand works towards hosting the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and related meetings in 2024.

Mr. Tenzin Lekphell, from Bhutan, assumed office as Secretary General of BIMSTEC on 6 November 2020 and will complete his term on 5 November 2023. As per the BIMSTEC Charter, the position of Secretary General follows the principle of alphabetical rotation and the next Secretary General will be from India.