Turkish Foreign Ministry to train young MIKTA diplomats

The Foreign Ministry Diplomacy Academy recently organized a one-week educational program for young diplomats from MIKTA countries – Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia – between Feb. 15 and Feb. 21 in order to improve relations between the five countries. During the program, the two young envoys from each country have visited historical places as well as some regional and international organizations in Turkey.

During the program, officials from the relevant departments of the Foreign Ministry, ambassadors and academics gave talks to the participants on Turkish foreign policy, economy, diplomacy, developing economies, international and regional organizations and the United Nations system and the European Union, techniques for negotiations, humanitarian diplomacy and public diplomacy. The participants also visited organizations like the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), Yunus Emre Institute and Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies (ORSAM) along with historical places.

Australia assumed the MIKTA chairmanship on Sept. 26, 2015, when Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop chaired the 6th MIKTA Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York. As the chair, Australia has been focused on implementing the ambitious agenda that was agreed on by foreign ministers at the meeting in New York. The seven core themes of the MIKTA agenda are the modernization of energy governance and improving energy access, counterterrorism and global security, peacekeeping, trade and the economy, good governance and democracy, gender equality, and sustainable development.

During its remaining years as MIKTA chair, Australia is planning to host the 7th MIKTA Ministerial Meeting and MIKTA ministerial retreat in Sydney, Australia, the 2nd MIKTA Academic Conference, hosted by the Australian National University with the theme of "Unlocking Innovation."