THIRD MIKTA SPEAKERS’ CONSULTATION (28-29 APRIL 2017 – ISTANBUL)

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Role of National Parliaments”

The Speakers of the parliaments of MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Australia) met in İstanbul, Turkey on 28 September 2017 for the third MIKTA Speakers’ Consultation.

The theme of the Third Consultation in Istanbul was “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Role of National Parliaments “. A very fruitful and constructive debate has been held on topics such as “Sustainable Development”, one of the most important topics on the world agenda, and in this context, on what the legislative branches of MIKTA countries did, what they can do and how they can cooperate.

MIKTA is a new and a quite free cooperation platform established in 2013, which is expanding in scope and diversifying in activities day by day. MIKTA countries have similar profiles and roles in their regions. MIKTA countries generally display similar attitudes on platforms such as the UN, G20 and follow policies that are close to each other on major world affairs. This often allows developing common attitudes and displaying strong cooperation. Under the MIKTA roof, member states are exploring new areas of common interest and further strengthening their cooperation.

MIKTA countries, each of which is an important economic power in their region, draw attention as a special group exhibiting similar characteristics within the G20. Although there are significant differences between Member States, it is obvious that there are more similarities. MIKTA countries, which have developed rapidly and have dynamic economies, have gathered with the topic of sustainable development and have made important consultations especially in the framework of a fair, inclusive and integrated development idea.

When the topics of today’s sessions are taken into consideration, it is seen that, topics that are at the top of the agendas of MIKTA societies and substantial part of the world have been selected.

The opening of the meeting with the topic “The Role of Migrants and Refugees in Sustainable Development “, which addresses one of the most important problems of the world recently, was made by Mexico. This issue is also a great priority for Turkey, the country that hosts the largest number of refugees in the world.

The opening of the topic “The relationship between Humanitarian Aid and Sustainable Development” which is done by Korea and consists interesting information has presented new ideas about the issue. Turkey which is a rising donor, has become a pioneer in the international area both for the development aids to the least developed countries and humanitarian aid.

The opening of the “Peace, Security and Fight Against Terrorism” is done by Turkey. Turkey, a country which has lost lives to different type of terrorism and has been fighting against multiple terrorist organizations at the same time, underlined the international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and especially need for a complete cooperation in this field to create global peace  and security environment.

After the opening by Indonesia on the topic of “Access to clean and cheap energy for all” all MIKTA countries have contributed. The dynamo of development is undoubtedly the uninterrupted and inexpensive access to energy. Energy which is accessible to everyone and clean at the same time will help promoting development while preventing social and environmental catastrophes from emerging. Turkey is a country with great sensitivity in this regard and trying to maintain the fine balance between development and protection.

The opening of the last topic of today’s meeting, “Innovation and Inclusive Development” was done by Australia, which had chosen this subject as the theme of last year’s MIKTA Presidency. We have benefited from the contributions of Australia in this regard. MIKTA countries, this year, have designated MIKTA Innovation Leaders and their first meeting was held. “Inclusive development” and “innovation” in general, which is a concept that Turkey gave priority to during its G20 presidency in 2015, is becoming increasingly decisive in the development of societies and economies. MIKTA countries wish to deepen their cooperation in these fields and wish to make creative contributions in the international context.

These and other relevant issues discussed at today’s meetings will be on the agenda within the legislative and supervisory activities of MIKTA national parliaments during the forthcoming legislative periods. Today’s discussions, ideas and the information that were shared will sure inspire us in terms of legislative work.

I thank you all again and on this occasion, I wish success to Indonesia, which will carry out the Presidency of MIKTA next year.