MIKTA Lauds Steps Taken by Indonesia on Rakhine Issue

Foreign Ministers of MIKTA countries – Mexico, Indonesia , the Republic of Korea, Turkey, Australia. File Photo

Jakarta, 21 Jumadil Awwal 1438/17 February 2017 (MINA) – Countries grouped in MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia) have lauded steps taken by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to help resolve the humanitarian situation in Myanmars Rakhine state.

“MIKTA should be able to come up with a model of successful multilateral cooperation in addressing common challenges,” Antara quoted Retno as saying in a press statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Friday.

Retno’s remarks came during a meeting of the foreign ministers of MIKTA, held on the sidelines of a meeting of G-20 foreign ministers in Bonn, Germany, on Thursday.

During a discussion on regional developments, Retno touched upon the latest developments in Rakhine and underlined that Myanmar was facing a complicated and multidimensional situation and challenges in Rakhine.

“The government of Myanmar is facing a wide range of problems, including lingering communal conflict, poverty, a fledgling democracy and reform process, as well as the threat of transnational organized crime,” she pointed out.

Given the complexity of these problems, she underscored the need for the international community to help Myanmar, cautioning that any failure in proper handling of the situation in Rakhine will have a negative impact on regional security and stability.

She went on to say that Indonesia opted to establish a constructive cooperation with Myanmar and took a number of steps to help resolve the situation in Rakhine.

“Indonesia is deeply committed to helping the Government of Myanmar in the Rakhine state by cooperating with various NGOs, including Islamic NGOs and those engaged in humanitarian affairs,” she explained.

MIKTA is an unofficial consultation and coordination platform comprising Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia.

MIKTA was initiated in 2013 and its main decision-making happens in Foreign Ministers Meetings.

MIKTA aims to contribute constructive solutions to regional and global problems as well as enhance the effectiveness of global governance. Therefore, MIKTA countries aim to increase cooperation among themselves to exercise influence within several international organizations. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)