Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG hosted a gathering of Heads of Missions of MIKTA countries, a multilateral group of countries composed of Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Türkiye and Australia, at the Korean Ambassador’s Residence. On this occasion, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella attended the meeting as special guest.

Mohan Pandithage Chairman of Hayleys and Honorary Consul of Mexico, Dewi Gustina Tobing Ambassador of Indonesia, Demet Sekercioglu Ambassador of Turkiye, Paul Stephens High Commissioner of Australia, Janaka Sri Chandraguptha Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Diplomats and Officers in-charge of ODA attended this event.

Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG delivering his opening remarks stated that, “I firmly believe that international cooperation is needed to overcome the challenges presented to us due to COVID-19 pandemic. No country is strong enough to combat these challenges alone. MIKTA countries are significant contributors of humanitarian funding and assistance and we have gathered today to effectively address the issues of global health and ways to cooperate between MIKTA countries and Sri Lanka. The public health cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka has been robust. Under the “Stay Strong Campaign,” Korea donated around $3 million worth of equipment to combat the COVID-19 virus in Sri Lanka in the last two years. I hope we continue to deepen the multilateral engagement and overcome the global challenges in the post-pandemic era.”

Demet Sekercioglu Ambassador of Turkiye and presiding chair of MIKTA for this year congratulated Ambassador Santhush for hosting this timely event and emphasised that Turkiye has taken over the chairmanship of MIKTA under unprecedented circumstances in March 2022. “The Covid-19 global pandemic and consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war have exacerbated the hardships faced by people all around the world, exposed our fragilities and vulnerabilities in dealing with these global challenges and highlighted the need for a stronger and closer international cooperation. We believe that MIKTA, as a cross-regional and flexible consultative platform can substantially contribute to the international efforts aimed at addressing these issues. Considering the Covid-19’s direct impact on our lives, societies and economies in the last two years and apparently in the years to come, we kept global health at the top of the agenda in 2022. We organized a virtual meeting of Deputy Ministers of Health and Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of MIKTA Countries last September. The need to strengthen global health architecture with a whole-of-government approach has been emphasized at the meeting.” She further elaborated on Türkiye’s assistance to Sri Lanka including the handover of three consignments of medical donations including cold chain medicines, medical consumables and equipment last August and September.

Delivering her congratulatory remarks Ambassador of Indonesia H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing noted that public health cooperation is an essential element for a country in carrying out durable, resilient and sustainable development. “In line with MIKTA’s vision, MIKTA mission countries in Sri Lanka continue to develop and strengthen cooperation in various fields with the Government of Sri Lanka, including the health sector. We observed that the Sri Lankan Government continues to make numerous efforts to build public health infrastructure and resilient communities who cushioned from the adverse economic impact. Indonesia will continue to promote cooperation with Sri Lanka in a bilateral framework through the Presidency of Indonesia in MIKTA next year, forge closer bonds of friendship, and be friends during delightful and challenging times. Together we will overcome the current challenges, support each other, and move towards the best and prosperity of our country.”

Australian High Commissioner H.E. Paul Stephens remarked that Sri Lanka is a good place where MIKTA can operate and assist Sri Lanka reach stability and resilience. Furthermore he stated that in terms of public health infrastructure, the Government of Australia has significantly increased the financial assistance to promote food security and public health infrastructure. Furthermore Australia is supporting the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to increase oxygen concentrators to hospitals and provide mental health support. Furthermore more scientific trials are conducted under the World Mosquito Programme to protect communities from mosquito borne diseases like dengue, zika, malaria and yellow fever.

Mohan Pandithage Chairman of Hayleys and Honorary Consul of Mexico stated that, “Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, coupled with the impacts of the pandemic and global headwinds have pushed the country into unprecedented difficulties. On behalf of the Ambassador, who represents Mexico as a member country of MIKTA, I reach out today to all MIKTA Member Countries to work together and find ways to strengthen bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, enhance trade and exports and provide much needed relief. I believe that productive dialogue and the sharing of diverse development experiences initiated at this forum will support Sri Lanka on its roadmap towards greater resilience and recovery.”

Minister of Health Hon. Keheliya Rambukwella in his keynote speech highlighted that, “international cooperation and the partnerships that Sri Lanka shares with its neighbours and friendly nations contributed to Sri Lanka’s success at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an uphill battle. However the competent leadership and the tireless sacrifice of the medical professionals have resulted in Sri Lanka successfully overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. We are still not out of the woods yet, all countries must unify to address the shortages of food that have threatened the world including Sri Lanka. I request your cooperation in the anti-malnutrition drive to reduce starvation and malnutrition in Sri Lanka. I thank you for your friendship and partnership and Sri Lankan government assures that it remain committed to work with any partner who is willing to extend a helping hand with generosity.”

MIKTA was established in 2013 as a consultation and coordination mechanism among the Foreign Ministers of G20 members Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia. It aims to make constructive contributions to global peace and stability as well as to further enhance the cooperation among its members.