Mexico assumes coordination of MIKTA: Opportunities for dialogue, cooperation

Mexico is convinced of the irreplaceable value of diplomacy, based on its outstanding multilateral tradition and a demonstrated capacity to engage in dialogue and build consensus. It is in this spirit that we participate in MIKTA, an informal consultation mechanism with Australia, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Turkey.

These five countries have their own significant presence on the international stage, but we decided to come together, as friends and partners, to promote common priorities and explore new strategies to face global challenges.

We belong to different regions and we possess unique historical identities and cultural richness; however, we also have shared interests, which motivate us to enhance our mutual understanding and to expand our economic and social ties.

At a vice-ministerial meeting held recently in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Mexico took over MIKTA’s coordination for 2019. The agenda proposed by my country seeks to contribute to addressing the needs and aspirations of our peoples.

With the vision of “social development, global governance and a sustainable future”, we will seek to increase MIKTA’s mutual exchanges in three main areas. Firstly, economic cooperation for social development. We will promote trade and investment, both among ourselves and in other key markets. We will seek to foster greater integration of micro, small and medium enterprises into global supply chains. We will also bolster tourism cooperation by sharing best practices and technical expertise to generate greater benefits for receiving communities.

The second area of interest is the strengthening of multilateralism and collaboration in international organisations. MIKTA will join efforts to increase efficiency, transparency and equality in international organisations, and to mainstream the gender perspective. We will uphold a strong, open and rules-based international system that contributes to economic and social development, the protection of human rights and international peace and security. 

Thirdly, we will promote sustainable development with an emphasis on achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. Our societies demand greater actions to address climate change and other major global challenges, as well as greater cooperation for the reduction of natural-disaster risks. Furthermore, as coastal countries, we share the interest to protect oceans and their biodiversity. Social inclusion is also a common goal; we will continue to work in the fields of education, technology and Internet access.

In addition, we have proposed to convene the first meeting of our national agencies for development cooperation. In this context, at the meeting in Yogyakarta, we shared with our partners the ongoing actions to implement a Comprehensive Development Plan launched by El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, as an example of human-centred cooperation.

The work of MIKTA expands throughout the world. Our embassies and consulates are in constant communication. This year, they will undertake activities of public and cultural diplomacy to disseminate our historical richness and our cultural customs and traditions. We have a MIKTA Academic Network that has organised a number of seminars and scholarly publications. We will incorporate other civil society actors into our joint efforts and actions. We will also work together with them to boost economic and tourism promotion in our countries.

No country can effectively address international challenges individually. MIKTA continues to evolve as a multilateral space that aims to play a constructive role in a complex international scenario. During 2019, Mexico will strengthen collaboration among MIKTA’s countries, with the ultimate goal of making our societies more inclusive and prosperous.

The writer is the Mexican vice minister of foreign affairs. He contributed this article to The Jordan Times