South Korea Leads MIKTA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul attended the 27th MIKTA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on February 20 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. MIKTA, a consultative group comprising Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Türkiye, and Australia, serves as a cross-regional platform for international cooperation. During the meeting, Minister Cho exchanged views with MIKTA member states on enhancing collaboration amid evolving global challenges and introduced South Korea’s priorities as the MIKTA chair for the coming year.

Minister Cho emphasized that, despite escalating geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts, the world must not lose sight of the individuals suffering from these crises. He noted that over 300 million people worldwide urgently require humanitarian assistance. As a consultative body with both capability and responsibility, MIKTA must remain dedicated to supporting these vulnerable populations. Expressing concern over the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Haiti, he urged MIKTA member states to increase their efforts to improve humanitarian conditions.

In addressing the current crisis of multilateralism, Minister Cho highlighted the importance of MIKTA’s constructive role in expanding multilateral cooperation, drawing on its 12 years of experience. He proposed that member states take a leading role in advocating for multilateralism as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this year. He also called for the implementation of concrete cooperation projects aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and suggested exploring ways to utilize advanced technology to address urgent global challenges.

The MIKTA foreign ministers acknowledged the uncertainty of the current international landscape and agreed that MIKTA serves as a valuable platform for fostering global cooperation. They expressed deep concern over humanitarian crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and other regions, emphasizing the necessity of expanding humanitarian aid and reinforcing MIKTA’s collective efforts to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity. Recognizing the significance of South Korea’s chairmanship, they commended the country’s timely and well-structured agenda and pledged active cooperation to ensure meaningful progress during its tenure.

During the meeting, MIKTA ministers reaffirmed their commitment to addressing major international issues, including the crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, as well as challenges posed by North Korea. They also adopted a joint communiqué, underscoring their dedication to democracy, international law, and multilateralism.

The meeting marked an important milestone in strengthening MIKTA’s institutional foundation. By delivering a clear message in support of multilateralism and discussing concrete steps for increased collaboration, the ministers reinforced MIKTA’s role in global governance. South Korea, as the 2025 MIKTA chair, intends to build upon the meeting’s outcomes by leading efforts to bolster multilateralism and address pressing global challenges.

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