MIKTA and GCC Unite in Diplomatic Meeting: Focus on Multilateral Cooperation

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdul Aziz Ahmad led a delegation of Ambassadors/Heads of Mission of MIKTA countries (from Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Australia) to meet with the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), H.E. Mr. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, accompanied by Assistant Secretary General of the GCC for Political Affairs and Negotiation,  Dr. Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg at the GCC Secretariat building,  in Riyadh on August 29 .

At the meeting, the Indonesian Ambassador explained MIKTA as an informal consultation forum and innovative partnership consisting of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Australia established on the sidelines of the 2013 UN General Assembly session in New York.  Ambassador Aziz also explained the priorities of the Indonesian Chairmanship in MIKTA in 2023, namely strengthening multilateralism, inclusive recovery, and digital transformation.

In his statement, the Indonesian Ambassador to Riyadh, Dr. Abdul Aziz Ahmad, said, "This meeting is a very important first step in strengthening relations between MIKTA and the GCC.  We hope that this cooperation will bring great benefits to both parties and also support our goals of promoting peace and stability in the region and at the global level," Ambassador Aziz said.

In addition, various international economic issues were discussed, such as food security, the importance of competitive and efficient energy markets, the need for affordable access to clean energy transition, and the role of open economic policies in creating a strong cross-regional economy.  The opportunity for cooperation between MIKTA and GCC was also one of the main topics of discussion.

GCC Secretary General, Mr. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, expressed his appreciation to the MIKTA Ambassadors who had taken the initiative to establish relations with the GCC Secretariat.  Details of the cooperation proposal between the two sides are likely to be discussed in the near future, signaling a strong commitment to strengthen cooperation between the GCC and MIKTA in various fields.

Present in the delegation were the Mexican Ambassador, Mr. Anibal Gomez-Toledo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Park Joon-yong, the Australian Ambassador, Mr. Mark Donovan;  and Chargé d'Affaires of the Turkish Embassy, Mr. Muratcan Akel.