It is important for MIKTA to explore various concrete projects that have a major impact on developing countries Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi encouraged MIKTA–a grouping of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkiye, and Australia–to become a positive force amid a polarized world.While chairing the 24th meeting of MIKTA foreign ministers in New York, the US, on Saturday, she also hoped the grouping to become a bridge builder that actively improves relations, fosters cooperation, and improves understanding between various parties. “MIKTA must be at the forefront in voicing multilateralism reforms that are more inclusive and equal, encourage development rights for all countries, and create a more resilient and strong global economy,” she said in a written statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Marsudi assessed that the grouping is suitable to play the role of balancer amid the complex global dynamics considering that all MIKTA members are also members of G20. part from that they also have a strong economy, contributing at least 10 percent to global trade, and play a central role in their regions. On that occasion, she explained how MIKTA can be a positive force and bridge builder. The minister noted that MIKTA needs to identify global and multilateral agendas where MIKTA can play a significant role as a bridge builder, for instance, related to climate change issues at the upcoming COP 28, and sustainable development issues at the Summit of the Future in 2024. s a positive force, MIKTA is also deemed able to encourage concrete cooperation in the development agenda. “It is important for MIKTA to explore various concrete projects that have a major impact on developing countries,” she remarked. To make MIKTA remain relevant, she said, MIKTA must serve as a catalyst in encouraging real cooperation, one of which is through the MIKTA Development Cooperation Network. Development cooperation programs that can be developed include capacity building in energy transition and sharing best practices in handling debt for developing countries. For example, MIKTA can develop joint projects to boost agricultural productivity in Africa. t Saturday’s meeting, MIKTA foreign ministers expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s chairmanship in ASEAN and MIKTA. They also agreed on MIKTA’s proposal to become a positive force and bridge builder. part from MIKTA’s role at the global level, several other issues were also discussed at the meeting, such as digital transformation, food security, cybersecurity, women’s role, disaster management, and humanitarian assistance. The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, was initiated by Indonesia as chair of MIKTA this year. Under Indonesia’s chairmanship, various activities have been carried out and various achievements have been attained, including the 10 joint statements in various international forums at the head of state or government levels, and those related to health, disasters, human rights, women, and employment.

Source: Antara News Agency