How to word this: we should "not do something but/rather do something else"

I’m trying to figure out if the sentence below is grammatically correct. I am trying to say here "In international relations, we shouldn’t stop diplomatic discussions (not leave the table), instead we should be included in negotiations to defend our country’s interest." How can i fix the sentence below, especially "not do this rather do something else" phrase?

Thanks!

I think that in international relations, we should not leave the table, rather be included in the process by defending the interests of our country.