Dhaka: Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Wednesday said the Bimstec will get a big boost now as all members are showing keen interests in the Bimstec process.

The Foreign Minister expressed the hope when outgoing Secretary General of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Mulit-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) based in Dhaka Sumith Nakandala met him at the Foreign Ministry.

A member of Sri Lankan Foreign Service, Ambassador Nakandala is leaving Dhaka on September 14 and going back to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.

He will be replaced by Bangladeshi diplomat Ambassador M Shahidul Islam, said the Foreign Ministry here.

The outgoing Bimstec Secretary General thanked the Foreign Minister for hosting the Bimstec Secretariat in Dhaka and for all-out support extended and role played by Bangladesh government in smooth function and operation of the Secretariat established in Bangladesh in 2014.

Nakandala also highly appreciated the assistance and cooperation given by the Foreign Ministry in discharging his duties as the first Secretary General of Bimstec and making his stay a comfortable one during his tenure.

The Foreign Minister appreciated the outgoing Secretary General for his role in starting the function of the Bimstec Secretariat in Dhaka and making it operational and for his contribution in the Bimstec process.

He appreciated the contributions and support of other member states in establishing the Secretariat in Dhaka and for making it operational.

The Foreign Minister wished the outgoing Secretary General success in his career ahead.