ASIATODAY.ID, WASHINGTON – The QUAD group consisting of the United States (US), Australia, India and Japan reiterates its vision of supporting the Indo Pacific region, as a free and open, peaceful, stable and prosperous region, supported by institutions effective regional.
This was conveyed by the QUAD Foreign Ministers on the 20th anniversary of the group’s founding.
QUAD is a diplomatic network of four countries committed to supporting an Indo Pacific that is free and open, stable and prosperous, inclusive and resilient.
“We reaffirm our firm support for ASEAN centrality and unity as well as the mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. “We respect the regional architecture led by the Pacific, especially the Pacific Islands Forum,” said the QUAD Foreign Ministers in a statement published on the US Department of State website quoted on Tuesday, December 31 2024.
“We are also steadfast in our support of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organization. QUAD is committed to working together to respond to the region’s future needs.”
QUAD foreign ministers said that 20 years ago, in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Australia, India, Japan and the US provided services to the people of their respective regions.
QUAD ensures that the basic commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remains strong. QUAD is said to continue to work side by side to prepare for and respond to disasters throughout the region quickly and effectively.
“In 2024, our four countries collectively support disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the Indo Pacific. “We continue to build on these efforts to identify new ways to rapidly respond to humanitarian crises and disasters,” the statement said.
QUAD nations are now collaborating and partnering across the Indo Pacific to address complex challenges, from fighting climate change, cancer, and pandemics, to strengthening quality infrastructure, maritime domain awareness, STEM education, counter-terrorism efforts, critical and emerging technologies , and cyber security.
“Since 2021, the leaders of our four countries have met annually to encourage QUAD’s positive contribution in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific,” he said. (AT Network)
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