Dhaka: Bimstec Member States have emphasized the importance of working together and sharing information and data for addressing common security threats, both traditional and non-traditional, in the region.

The issues came up for discussion at the second meeting of National Security Chiefs of BIMSTEC Member States held here on Wednesday.

There was no briefing on the meeting, reports the UNB. 

The meeting reviewed the progress on the outcome document of the first meeting of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs held in New Delhi on March 21, 2017, said a press release on Thursday. 

The meeting also considered the report of the first BIMSTEC Track 1.5 Security Dialogue forum held in New Delhi, India on September 22, 2017.

Bimstec Member States have underscored the importance of participation of think tanks, civil societies etc in security dialogue and agreed to continue holding of the track 1.5 dialogue annually. 

Bangladesh will host the second meeting of the BIMSTEC Track 1.5 Security Dialogueforum this year.

Sonam Topgay, Secretary, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs of Bhutan; Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser of India, Thaung Tun, Union Minister, Ministry of the Office of the Union Government,  Myanmar; Prof Dr. Chop Lal Bhusal, Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh; Brig H.K.A.C.R Kodithuwakku, Director, Military Intelligence of  Sri Lanka; Chalida Chochai,  Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of the Kingdom of Thailand and Ambassador M. Shahidul Islam, Secretary General of BIMSTEC participated in the meeting chaired by  Major General (Rtd.) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Defence and Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. 

They also met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday evening after the meeting.