A meeting of foreign ministers of the Quad (India, America, Japan and Australia) was held on Wednesday (22 July) in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. During this, emphasis was laid on strengthening peace, stability and rule-based system in the Indo-Pacific region. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the four countries reiterated their unwavering support for the unity and central role of ASEAN.
India’s Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said that the four countries, being Comprehensive Strategic Partners of ASEAN, are committed to working together for the stability and prosperity of the region.
Discussion on challenges of the Indo-Pacific region
In the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Quad, the challenges and opportunities facing the Indo-Pacific region were discussed in detail. The Foreign Ministers agreed to enhance cooperation to advance the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). Under this, emphasis was laid on strengthening partnerships in areas such as security related to maritime and international crimes, economic prosperity and economic security, critical and emerging technologies and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Consensus reached on increasing cooperation
The joint statement said that peace and stability in the maritime region of the Indo-Pacific is the cornerstone of the security and economic prosperity of the entire region. With this thinking, the Quad countries are committed to further strengthening regional cooperation and carrying forward practical initiatives together with ASEAN. It was agreed between the four countries to increase cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This meeting has taken place at a time when special emphasis is being laid on increasing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region regarding maritime security, strengthening of supply chains, emerging technologies and regional geopolitical challenges. The Quad countries indicated that coordination with ASEAN on these shared priorities will be deepened in the future.
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