During the 29th MIKTA Ministerial Meeting held virtually, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun underscored the significance of multilateralism, democracy, and adherence to international law, amidst heightened US-China competition and challenges to multilateralism since the Trump presidency. South Korea, which chaired MIKTA for the past year, discussed ways to enhance cooperation among member states, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, supply chains, and vaccine distribution. The meeting concluded with a shared sentiment among the member countries on the necessity for strengthened cooperation and further direction for MIKTA's development.

Established during the UN General Assembly in 2013, MIKTA is a coalition of middle powers including Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia, aimed at promoting constructive and cooperative international engagement. Cho reiterated the need for MIKTA to evolve beyond mere dialogue to tangible outcomes and highlighted the collective strengths of member nations to address global challenges effectively. The recent discussions covered a range of topics, including energy, key minerals, and financing, showcasing the collaborative potential of the group in responding to contemporary issues.

Reflecting on the past year of South Korea's leadership in MIKTA, the foreign ministry noted that it hosted four senior management meetings and emphasized subjects such as reforming the UN and the role of youth in addressing global challenges. Amidst threats to the UN's role, highlighted by various withdrawals under the Trump administration, South Korea took a proactive stance in advocating for multilateralism during its chairmanship, leaving behind a legacy of cooperative engagement for the next chair, Australia.