He has also urged for a "transformation" of the seven-nation grouping that brings together Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka from South Asia with Myanmar and Thailand from Southeast Asia into a more dynamic organization. This appeal was made at the 16th BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kathmandu, chaired by Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali highlighted the progress made since the last summit in 2014 and reiterated Bangladesh's dedication to BIMSTEC cooperation. He requested the foreign ministers of BIMSTEC to assess the organization's structure, specifically in terms of cooperation, and to enhance the Secretariat. He emphasized the importance of finalizing the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area and related agreements for prompt implementation. Bangladesh highlighted the need for collaboration in key areas like connectivity, energy, poverty reduction, climate change, and people-to-people interactions. The summit's agenda was also confirmed during the meeting. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to depart for Kathmandu on Thursday morning to participate in the two-day summit.