Joint Statement on the Launch of the MIKTA Development Cooperation Institutions Network

Joint Statement on the Launch of

the MIKTA Development Cooperation Institutions Network

As of 29 January 2021

1. We, the Representatives of Development Cooperation Institutions of the MIKTA Member States (the “Institutions”), gather virtually on 29 January 2021 and announce the launch of the MIKTA Development Cooperation Institutions Network (the “Network”) to promote and strengthen collaboration and dialogue in the area of international development cooperation. The Network comprises those government agencies/departments in MIKTA member states with primary responsibility for implementing international development cooperation.

a) (Mexico) Agencia Mexicana de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AMEXCID)

b) (Indonesia) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)

c) (Korea) Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

d) (Turkey) Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA)

e) (Australia) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

2. We take note of the significant role played by MIKTA countries in addressing global and regional challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty, inequality, and climate change. We also agree that increasing cooperation and strategic coordination among the Institutions, based on shared values and common interests, can contribute to a more effective response to such challenges.

3. Based on the MIKTA member states’ shared vision on incorporating ‘Sustainable Development’ as one of MIKTA’s cooperation areas, stated at the 2nd Senior Officials Meeting in 2016, we affirm our common endeavor to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

4. The Institutions have launched the Network as an official partnership platform, with the basic principles of reciprocity, voluntariness, alignment with the overall MIKTA priorities, and leveraging each Institution’s existing activities and cooperation.

5. The Network will serve as a co-operation and consultation channel to strengthen its partnership, thereby maximizing the impact of development cooperation efforts in a coordinated manner on a voluntary basis. The Network’s objectives are categorized across two primary levels:

a) trategic Level: The Network aims to promote cooperation, coordination and peer learning on development cooperation strategies through engagement in regular discussions and knowledge/experience sharing.

b) Activities Level: The Network may develop specific joint or coordinated cooperation activities, with the aim of leveraging each Institution’s comparative advantages and existing development efforts, as well as amplifying the synergy among the Institutions, as agreed upon by the Institutions.

6. The Network’s immediate focus will be effective responses to the COVID-19 crisis, taking into consideration the massive repercussions currently impacting developing countries. Other possible areas for collaboration will be further discussed and explored based on each Institution’s priorities and the specific needs in the field. The modality of activities, such as technical cooperation, dispatch of experts, knowledge sharing, and joint events, and the contribution of Institutions will be considered separately for each cooperation activity. The field office (or Embassy) of Institutions may establish a country-based consultation platform for promoting the partnership, if needed and in coordination with their respective headquarters.

7. The Network will also support the role of MIKTA on the global stage, in order to step up international cooperation on pressing global development issues. For example, the Network commends the Republic of Korea’s leadership in hosting the 2021 P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) summit.

8. The Network will meet (in person or remotely) annually, hosted on a rotating basis under the leadership of the incumbent MIKTA chair.

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