Distinguished Colleagues andDelegates,

We stand here as the five MIKTA nations, geographically located at the crossroads of strategic maritime routes and who are also IMO Council Members. Our efforts have led to advancements inmaritime technologies and sustainable practices, setting a precedent for global maritime governance.

Seas and oceans are at the core of global trade and the economy, with over 90% of the world’s trade carried out by sea. This vast network not only connects continents but also fosters economic growth, cultural exchange, and technological advancement.

To enhance maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, we need international maritime technical cooperation and shared best practices, technological innovations and regulatory frameworks.
By aligning our efforts, we can tackle complex challenges, from piracy to marine pollution and climate change.

These five countries have established a cooperation platform in various fields, including economic cooperation, sustainable development and maritime cooperation based on multilateralism. This platform allows us to pool our resources and expertise, driving innovation and creating synergies that amplify our impact on the global stage. Our commitment to these areas reflects our understanding that the challenges we face are interrelated and require holistic solutions.

As a member of MIKTA, we are committed to maritime safety, security and the protection of the marine environment through a green transition while emphasizing the importance of technicalcooperation to achieve these goals.In 2022, during Türkiye’s MIKTA chairmanship, we set ourpriorities as “global health,” “effectivemigration management,”and “food security.” Under Türkiye’s leadership, we launched severalinitiatives aimed at improving health care access, enhancing migration policiesand ensuring food security for vulnerable populations.

Sustainable food security depends on ensuring uninterrupted supply chains, which becomes more crucial in times of conflict. This has also been our main motive in realizing the Black Sea Grain Initiative with the UN. It played a significant role in averting a global food crisis.

We strongly support the focus of Mexico’s Chairmanship on furthering the inclusive nature of our multilateral efforts in living up to SDGs. Here, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA)
stands ready to further our combined efforts and bring about concrete projects.

We also recognize the importance of forging mutual understanding and bridging the interests of developing and developed countries, including SIDS and LDCs.

Collaboration in digitalization and artificial intelligence is also vital. By leveraging advanced technologies, we can enhance our maritime operations, improve safety and efficiency and drive sustainable economic growth. Our investments in digital infrastructure and AI research are paving the way for a smarter, more connected maritime industry.

We believe that MIKTA’s shared vision and values will continue to make a difference by adopting a constructive approach to uphold multilateralism, which is another priority of the Mexican Chairmanship we support.

Therefore, we will continue to cooperate to build strong partnerships, share knowledge, and innovate
collectively, ensuring that our maritime future is bright and secure. Our commitment to these principles will guide our actions as we work together to address the pressing challenges of our time and create a better world for future generations.

In conclusion, the seas and oceans that connect us also remind us of our shared responsibilities. Through international maritime technical cooperation, we can achieve this noble goal and build a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous world.

Thank you.