Warning about new threats of transnational challenges of climate change, natural disasters, energy and food security, Myanmar today called on the seven-member grouping BIMSTEC to combine their strengths and resources to effectively deal with these mounting problems.
Addressing the 3rd BIMSTEC Summit here, Myanmar President U Thein Sein said in this age of globalization, regional or sub-regional groupings of nations with common culture and interests "are no longer a matter of choice, but the need of the hour".
He said the dynamics of international politics have transformed the economic relations to become a crucial variable in inter-state relationships.
"Consequently, those issues now have transnational dimensions and forms," he said.
The seven-nation grouping comprises India, Bangladesh, Sri Lankka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal.