India, Australia, Japan and the US officials reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on respect for international law

Quad, comprising India, Australia, Japan and the US held senior official level held a meeting in a virtual format on Friday and discussed regional and global issues of common interest.

They exchanged views on ongoing and proposed practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity and infrastructure development, and security matters, including counter-terrorism, cyber and maritime security, with the objective of promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the officials at the meet underscored the importance of enhancing the resilience of supply chains and sharing best practices on how to combat the pandemic.

The officials reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region based on shared values and principles and respect for international law.

The officials reiterated their firm support for ASEAN-Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms particularly the leaders-led East Asia Summit, in the regional architecture for the Indo-Pacific, and their readiness to work with ASEAN and all other countries towards realizing a common and promising vision for the Indo-Pacific.

They appreciated the Vietnamese chairmanship of the ASEAN and looked forward to the 15th East Asia Summit in November this year. The officials looked forward to the Ministerial consultations to be held later this year.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and US’s Department of State.