The Bangladesh Army and US Army will host the 46th annual Indo-Pacific Army Management Seminar (IPAMS) here on September 12-15 to promote “peace and stability” in the Indo-Pacific region through mutual understanding, dialogue and friendship. 

The theme for this year’s conference is “Prospects and Challenges in Maintaining Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific.” 

This is going to be the largest conference for land forces (army, marines) in the region, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. 

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It will give senior level officers a forum to exchange views and ideas, and to develop and strengthen their relationships.   

The conference will feature plenary sessions, as well as smaller break-out sessions.  Attendees will hear from guest speakers and participate in “lively discussions” on topics, such as peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, leadership development, and empowering women.  

Participation in IPAMS has grown from nine nations at the first conference held in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1977, to 31 nations in Seoul, Korea in 2017.

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IPAMS provides all participants a unique opportunity to discuss the Indo-Pacific region’s security issues and to exchange ideas on topics of mutual concern.

An opening ceremony will start at 8:45 am on September 12 at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, followed by a joint press conference with General Shafiuddin, Bangladesh Army Chief of Staff, and General Charles Flynn, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific, according to the Embassy.