“Middle Power Countries’ Diplomacy on Global Issues: MIKTA & South Asian Countries” – Conference in Islamabad

Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) ,Embassy of Republic of Korea and Korea National Diplomatic Academy jointly held a Conference on “Middle Power Countries’ Diplomacy on Global Issues: MIKTA & South Asian Countries” is now live at Serena Hotels Islamabad on 29th June 2021.

The conference is the initiative of Ambassador Sangpyo Suh of Republic of Korea to Pakistan. Ambassadors and High Commissioner of member countries also participated in the conference.

Ambassador Sangpyo Suh, in his welcoming remarks said that Pakistan is also a middle power state and both countries can play their role in accomplishing the objectives of MIKTA

Ambassador Suh Sangpyo, Republic of Korea Ambassador to Pakistan, shared that discussing cases of Middle power diplomacies from MIKTA & Pak will make us strengthen our diplomacy & find ways of cooperation between MITKA & South Asian countries to address global issues.

Ham Sang-Wook, Deputy Minister for Multilateral & Global Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea, highlighted the ways MIKTA has contributed & will further contribute to promoting int cooperation. Given the geographical diversity of members, MIKTA is capable of complementing the ascending regionalism.

Mr Kim Joon, Chancellor, Korea National Diplomatic Academy, shared that Korea has developed middle power diplomacy to diversify diplomatic relations based on its growing national power.

Mr Aamir Hasan, Secretary, National Security Division, shared  the era of unipolarity and bipolarity has ended and we are entering into a multipolar world. Due to this middle power countries need to exercise diplomacy. Middle powers today have a strong voice at the global international fora. They can leverage this to address issues like climate change.

Dr Moeed Yousuf, National Security Advisor, shared that in the future, Track II dialogues could be held between the think tanks of Pakistan and the Republic of Korea.

Ms Kang Seonjou, Prof, Institute of Foreign Affairs & National Security, shared that if numerous middle powers including Pak & Korea can sustain their diplomatic efforts in the post pandemic era, then they will to a certain degree be able to shape the post pandemic international order.

Mr. Lee, Kyung-chul, Special Representative for Afghanistan & Pakistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, shared that middle power countries can play their part to maintain a peaceful & fair world order within their space of maneuvering.

Dr Huma Baqai, Associate Professor, IBA, highlighted that Pakistan & countries which are a part of MIKTA have the capacity & capability to impact international relations in a fashion which can act as bridge-building and as mediators/facilitators.

MIKTA, a minilateral group comprised of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia, serves as a consultative body to discuss on various issues on global agenda. Five member countries hold high-level meetings and make joint statements to cooperate in global issues based on their commonalities. And Pakistan, a member of several regional organizations such as SAARC and ECO, has made efforts to enhance its voice over numerous issues through these mechanisms. Provided that MIKTA could be a useful example for Pakistan, it is necessary and timely to discuss how to exemplify MIKTA’s success in middle power diplomacy.