MIKTA ambassadors highlight shared vision with Viet Nam for stronger multilateral cooperation

In an Op-ed, the Ambassadors of Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and Turkey to Viet Nam said today's international environment is being shaped by multiple challenges so that middle powers should play a more active role in helping shape practical solutions rather than remaining on the sidelines.

The ambassadors noted that this approach has been at the core of MIKTA—the partnership of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia—since its establishment in 2013. As a cross-regional grouping of G20 members, MIKTA brings together countries from Asia, Latin America, Eurasia and Oceania that share a commitment to practical diplomacy, international cooperation and strengthening multilateral institutions.

According to the ambassadors, MIKTA is currently focusing on three strategic priorities: reforming multilateral institutions, protecting humanitarian principles, and advancing climate action alongside energy security. These priorities, they said, are closely linked to the long-term prosperity and security of countries across the Indo-Pacific, including Viet Nam.

Strong alignment with Viet Nam's development vision

The ambassadors described Viet Nam as a vivid example of how an open, rules-based international order can support sustainable development. Through decades of international integration and economic reforms, Viet Nam has emerged as one of Asia's fastest-growing economies and an increasingly influential voice in regional and global affairs.

They noted that General Secretary and State President To Lam's emphasis on strategic autonomy, stronger national resilience, innovation-driven growth and proactive international integration closely aligns with MIKTA's vision for a more stable, inclusive and resilient international order.

The ambassadors stressed that reforming global institutions has become increasingly urgent as existing mechanisms struggle to respond effectively to today's complex challenges.

While organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization remain essential pillars of global governance, they noted that these institutions need to become more representative, responsive and efficient in order to remain credible and effective.

For emerging and developing economies such as Viet Nam, a more balanced and inclusive system of global governance would ensure stronger representation in international decision-making and better reflect their growing contribution to the global economy.

Drawing on its geographic and political diversity, MIKTA believes middle-power diplomacy can help bridge differences among countries, build consensus and contribute to modernizing multilateral institutions without undermining the rules-based international order.

Shared commitment to peace and humanitarian principles

The ambassadors also reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding humanitarian principles amid growing global conflicts.

They highlighted MIKTA's strong support for the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, an initiative launched by Australia that has now received endorsement from more than 100 countries.

According to the ambassadors, protecting those delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance is a shared international responsibility requiring broader global cooperation.

The five ambassadors also praised Viet Nam's consistent foreign policy of promoting peace, dialogue and respect for international law, noting that the country's expanding participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and humanitarian activities demonstrates its growing contribution to international peace and security.

They said these shared values provide a solid foundation for deeper cooperation between Viet Nam and MIKTA in addressing global challenges.

Climate action and energy transition create new partnership opportunities

The ambassadors emphasized that climate action, energy security and economic development have become increasingly interconnected.

In their view, the transition to clean energy represents not only an environmental necessity but also a major opportunity to create new engines of economic growth.

As preparations continue for COP31 later this year, they said MIKTA members remain committed to promoting practical cooperation on climate resilience, sustainable development and energy security.

The ambassadors noted that Viet Nam has positioned itself at the center of the global energy transition through ambitious renewable energy, green industry and sustainable infrastructure development plans.

They also highlighted the country's determination to make science, technology and innovation key drivers of its future development model, with energy transition forming an integral part of that strategy.

Given MIKTA members' strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean technologies, critical minerals, digital transformation and sustainable finance, the ambassadors said substantial opportunities exist to deepen cooperation with Viet Nam in supporting its green and digital transformation.

Looking ahead, the ambassadors reaffirmed that MIKTA seeks to demonstrate the continued value of constructive cross-regional cooperation in strengthening international rules, promoting practical solutions and rebuilding confidence in multilateral diplomacy.

They described Viet Nam as an indispensable partner in fostering a stable, inclusive and forward-looking regional architecture, noting the country's increasingly influential role within ASEAN, the United Nations and global economic governance.

According to the ambassadors, Viet Nam's continued success reinforces the importance of openness, resilience and strategic balance in an increasingly uncertain world./.