'Mikta Expert Dialogue' Vice Minister Lee Tae-ho: "Multilateral Cooperation, Role of Middle Power Consultative Bodies is Important"

Post-COVID-19 International Situation Outlook and the Role of MIKTA... Video Conference

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 18th, Lee Tae-ho, the 2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized in his opening remarks at the MIKTA expert dialogue virtual meeting that in the face of the global crisis caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the spirit of worldwide solidarity and cooperation for global health security is more necessary than ever, highlighting the importance of the role of middle power consultative bodies like MIKTA in strengthening multilateral cooperation.

At this virtual meeting, MIKTA experts discussed prospects for the post-COVID-19 world order and changes in the dynamics between countries centered on MIKTA, while exchanging views on ways MIKTA can contribute to strengthening multilateralism for resilient global health security.

In Session 1, under the theme "Changes in the Post-COVID-19 World Order and MIKTA," Jeffrey Roberson, Professor at Yonsei University (Australia), and Jorge Schiavon, Professor at the Mexican Institute of Economic Education (Mexico), presented papers. Professors Kang Sun-joo from the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (Korea), Phillips Vermonte, Director of the Indonesian Institute of International Strategic Studies (Indonesia), and Punda Karadeniz, Professor at Gaziantep University (Turkey), participated as panelists.

In Session 2, themed "Health Security and Multilateralism in International Health Cooperation," Evy Pitriani, Professor at the University of Indonesia (Indonesia), and Emel Piladal, Professor at Marmara University (Turkey), presented papers. Professors Choi Hyun-jin from Kyung Hee University (Korea), Caitlin Byrne from Griffith University (Australia), and Erika Ruiz Sandoval from the Mexican Institute of Economic Education (Mexico) participated as panelists.

Held at a time when interest in strengthening multilateralism based on solidarity and cooperation to overcome COVID-19 and ensure health security is increasing, this MIKTA expert seminar laid the foundation for enhancing cooperation among capable middle powers for the provision of global public goods.

Furthermore, it provided an opportunity to resume the "MIKTA Academic Network," an academic exchange consultative body among think tanks of MIKTA member countries that had been suspended since the 3rd meeting in 2017, with expectations that exchanges and cooperation among key researchers from the five MIKTA countries will be revitalized.

o Lee Sang-hwan, President of the Korean Association of International Politics, stated, "This meeting was a valuable opportunity to discuss ways MIKTA can contribute to strengthening middle power diplomacy and addressing economic, social, and health issues caused by COVID-19," while Jang Jae-bok, Public Diplomacy Ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed in his closing remarks, "This seminar has served as a catalyst for activating academic exchanges among MIKTA member countries," hoping to continuously expand the scope of the MIKTA partnership.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.