MIKTA Ambassadors Highlight Shared Vision with Viet Nam for Stronger Multilateral Cooperation

MIKTA—the partnership of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia—ambassadors to Viet Nam have highlighted a shared vision with the country for strengthening multilateral cooperation, underscoring Viet Nam's growing role on the international stage. In a joint op-ed, the ambassadors stated that today's international environment, shaped by multiple challenges, requires middle powers to play a more active role in shaping practical solutions rather than remaining on the sidelines. This approach has been central to MIKTA since its establishment in 2013. As a cross-regional grouping of G20 members, MIKTA unites countries from Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, and Oceania that share a commitment to practical diplomacy, international cooperation, and strengthening multilateral institutions. The partnership is currently focusing on three strategic priorities: reforming multilateral institutions, protecting humanitarian principles, and advancing climate action alongside energy security. These priorities are closely linked to the long-term prosperity and security of countries across the Indo-Pacific, including Viet Nam. The ambassadors described Viet Nam as a vivid example of how an open, rules-based international order can support sustainable development. They noted that 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. 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 need to become more representative, responsive, and efficient to maintain their credibility and effectiveness. For emerging and developing economies like 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. 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. Protecting those delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance is a shared international responsibility requiring broader global cooperation, they stated. The five ambassadors praised Viet Nam's consistent foreign policy of promoting peace, dialogue, and respect for international law. They noted that the country's expanding participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and humanitarian activities demonstrates its growing contribution to international peace and security. These shared values provide a solid foundation for deeper cooperation between Viet Nam and MIKTA in addressing global challenges, they added. 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, MIKTA members remain committed to promoting practical cooperation on climate resilience, sustainable development, and energy security. Viet Nam has positioned itself at the center of the global energy transition through ambitious renewable energy, green industry, and sustainable infrastructure development plans. 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, was also highlighted. 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. Viet Nam's continued success reinforces the importance of openness, resilience, and strategic balance in an increasingly uncertain world, they concluded. Information Source: Bao Chinh Phu