He has also urged for a "transformation" of the seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping, which includes Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, from South Asia and Southeast Asia into a more dynamic body. 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 meeting in Myanmar in 2014 and the Leaders' pledge in India in 2016, reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to BIMSTEC cooperation. He requested the foreign ministers of BIMSTEC to evaluate the organization's structure, with a focus on enhancing cooperation and strengthening the Secretariat. He also called for the swift completion of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area and its related agreements for prompt implementation. Bangladesh emphasized the importance of collaboration in key areas like connectivity, energy, poverty reduction, climate change, and interpersonal relationships. The summit's agenda was also finalized during the meeting. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to depart for Kathmandu on Thursday morning to participate in the two-day summit.