Indonesian Foreign Minister encourages MIKTA to become a “positive force” and “bridge builder” – Asia News

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi chaired the 24th MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York, United States, on September 23. This meeting of foreign ministers discussed the follow-up to the MIKTA meeting at the level of state leaders held on the sidelines of the G20 India Summit some time ago.

In her opening speech, the Indonesian Foreign Minister highlighted the important role of MIKTA in becoming a positive force and bridge builder in the midst of today’s polarized world.

“MIKTA must be at the front line in giving voice to multilateralism reforms that are more inclusive and egalitarian, promote the development rights of all countries and create a more resilient and stronger global economy,” declared the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Indonesia.

According to the minister, MIKTA is very suitable to play a balancing role in the midst of the current very complex global dynamics. This taking into account that all MIKTA members are members of the G20; they have a strong economy, which contributes at least 10% to world trade; and play their respective roles in the Region.

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Furthermore, he further explained the role of positive forces and “bridge builders” of MIKTA, namely:

First, MIKTA as a bridge builder for polarized issues. According to Minister Retno, MIKTA needs to identify global and multilateral agendas in which MIKTA can play an important role as a “bridge builder”, for example in relation to climate change issues at the upcoming COP 28, and sustainable development at the Future Summit.

Secondly, MIKTA as a positive force to promote concrete cooperation in the development agenda. “It is important for MIKTA to explore several concrete projects that have a great impact on developing countries,” he said. For MIKTA to remain relevant, it must be a catalyst in fostering real cooperation, one of which is through the MIKTA Development Cooperation Network.

Development cooperation programs that can be developed include training in the energy transition and the exchange of good practices in debt management of less developed countries. For example, MIKTA has developed a joint project to increase agricultural productivity in Africa.

“MIKTA must be on the front line in giving voice to multilateralism reforms that are more inclusive and egalitarian, promote the development rights of all countries and create a more resilient and stronger global economy”

During the meeting, MIKTA foreign ministers expressed their appreciation for the Indonesian presidency of ASEAN and MIKTA, and agreed with MIKTA’s proposal to become a positive and bridge-building force.

In addition to discussing MIKTA’s role in the global order, the meeting also discussed other topics such as digital transformation, food security, cybersecurity, the role of women, disaster management and humanitarian aid.

Indonesia, which holds the MIKTA presidency this year, kicked off the MIKTA foreign ministers’ meeting, parallel to the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly. Under the Indonesian presidency, various activities have been carried out and various achievements have been obtained, including ten joint statements in various international forums, including at the Leaders level, as well as related to health issues, natural disasters, human rights , women and employment.