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Australia through the many eyes of MIKTA; An international media visit

DFAT recently arranged for seven enthusiastic journalists from MIKTA countries to visit Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne as part of an International Media Visit (IMV).

MIKTA is an innovative partnership that brings together Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia. MIKTA is a consultative forum based on shared values and interests. It is a flexible and informal platform, aimed at advancing the common interests of the international community.

The visit provided an opportunity to raise awareness (both domestically and internationally) about MIKTA and to promote Australia as a robust multicultural democracy and a valuable partner for trade and investment. Themes covered included science and research, education, tourism, security cooperation and promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.

A centrepiece of the program was the ANU seminar on MIKTA at which the Minister for Foreign Affairs gave the keynote address. In her address, the Minister highlighted that the complexities of the modern world demanded Australia develop new and innovative ways of pursuing our interests and that MIKTA marked "a significant addition to the type and composition of international partnerships we have traditionally prioritised". After the seminar, Minister Bishop, joined by Ambassadors from MIKTA countries, spent time with the journalists to participate in a Q&A session.

The journalists were also introduced to a spectrum of Australian culture. Visits included tours of the Sydney Opera House, Australian War Memorial, Indigenous art collection at the National Gallery of Australia, Immigration Museum and the Yarra Valley. Highlights included the theatre performance of Baz Luhrmann's 'Strictly Ballroom' and of course a meet and greet with native wildlife.