The 2021 MIKTA Festival of Food & Tourism in Guangzhou on November 17, with the purpose of deepening cultural exchanges between MIKTA countries and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

MIKTA is an innovative partnership of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia.

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Speaking fluent Mandarin, Michael Sadleir, Consul General of Australia in Guangzhou, has lived in Guangzhou for almost two years. "But the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that all major problems we're facing today cannot be solved by countries alone. Collaboration has never been more important in the current global community," Michael Sadleir pointed out.

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"The benefits of free and multilateral trade go to all of us here in Guangzhou and around the world. We will commit ourselves to promote an effective, open, transparent, multilateral system that benefits all countries, big and small," Michael said.

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"Mexico is an open and modern economy, with significant trade partners around the world. In particular, China is our second largest commercial partner, with a combined trade of 81 billion USD," Carlos Giralt, Consul General of Mexico in Guangzhou, stressed the achievements between Mexico and China.

Han Jea Heuk, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Guangzhou, explained that this year and the next year was the 2021-22 South Korea-China Year of Cultural Exchanges, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Guangzhou would continuously promote various cultural exchange activities in Guangzhou. "We sincerely hope that ongoing vigorous culture exchanges with all of the MIKTA countries and China will further promote understanding and friendship among us," Han said.

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Though Han is just several months into his new post, he has been to six or seven cities in Guangdong province, including Huizhou, Zhongshan and Dongguan. When asked what scenic spots he likes in Guangdong, he said, "I like to go hiking on Baiyun Mountain, because I can get fresh air and get relaxed there."

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Maya Damayanti, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Guangzhou, said in her opening speech, "We are living in a world, in which no single country can meet global challenges. Partnership and collaboration among countries are needed to overcome the common challenges, from security, economy to the current Covid-19 pandemic."

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"Seeking global solutions is getting more and more important when facing all kinds of issues. It is a source of pride for all of us that the 'renewed and innovative partnership' model target is now being realized in Guangzhou through the Consulates of 5 countries. The gathering of us here today is undoubtedly a meaningful step to carry the MIKTA initiative forward," said Kurtulus Aykan, Consul General of Turkey in Guangzhou.

Guests from different countries came here to enjoy national cuisines and tourism specialties from MIKTA countries and to promote their products to GBA at this event.

Reporter: Rofel

Editor: Wing, Olivia, Monica, Jerry