Quad foreign ministers reaffirm commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighting ASEAN centrality, maritime security, technology cooperation and regional stability, reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Quad Foreign Ministers on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific while expressing strong support for ASEAN unity and its central role in regional affairs.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a joint statement after their meeting in Manila, highlighting the group’s continued cooperation with ASEAN and its member states.
“As ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partners, we, the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan, met today in Manila to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific and our unwavering support for ASEAN unity and centrality,” the statement said.
The ministers said they remained committed to regional prosperity and stability, adding that the Quad was deeply invested in cooperation with ASEAN countries.
During the meeting, the four nations discussed regional challenges and ways to strengthen the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
The discussions focused on shared priorities including maritime and transnational security, economic growth and resilience, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
The joint statement said the Quad remained united in its belief that peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain were essential for the security and prosperity of the wider region.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the ministers reviewed the evolving Indo-Pacific situation and followed up on outcomes from their previous meeting in New Delhi.
“Glad to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila. Reviewed the Indo-Pacific landscape and discussed recent developments. Followed up on the outcomes of the recent New Delhi meeting. Committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific with a recognition of ASEAN centrality,” Jaishankar posted on X.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the four countries shared a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on respect for international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Strong cooperation is vital to supporting ASEAN’s own priority and centrality in the region,” Rubio said, adding that the United States, India, Australia and Japan remained committed to working together.
Rubio also said the Quad continued to be a priority for Washington and confirmed that the four nations would meet again later this year.
“Was pleased to reconvene the Quad at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting to emphasise our message: strong cooperation is vital to supporting ASEAN’s own priority and centrality in the region,” Rubio posted on X.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also highlighted the discussions, saying the meeting focused on delivering practical results in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The latest Quad meeting comes as the four countries continue efforts to strengthen cooperation across security, technology, economic resilience and regional connectivity while working alongside ASEAN partners.
