Quad FMM reaffirms free, open Indo-Pacific commitment, backs ASEAN unity, centrality
Manila, July 22
The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Wednesday reaffirmed the grouping's commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific and reiterated its "unwavering support" for ASEAN unity and centrality, as the four countries discussed regional challenges and cooperation priorities.
The meeting was held in the Philippines' Manila on the sidelines of ASEAN-related ministerial engagements, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio participating.
In a joint press release, the Quad ministers said, "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 ministers underlined their commitment to working closely with ASEAN and its member states, stating that they remain "deeply invested" in the region's success.
"We are deeply invested in the region's success and in cooperating with ASEAN and its member states," the statement added.
The Quad leaders also discussed ways to strengthen support for the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) through cooperation in key areas, including maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
Highlighting the importance of regional stability, the ministers said peace and security in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain are central to the prosperity of the region.
"We are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region," the joint statement added.
Sharing details of the meeting, Jaishankar said the discussions covered the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape and recent regional developments.
"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.
The Quad grouping, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, has repeatedly highlighted ASEAN centrality as a key element of its approach towards the Indo-Pacific, while focusing on maritime security, resilient supply chains, technology cooperation and regional stability.
— ANI
Reader Comments
All fine words in Manila, but let's see if the Quad can actually deliver on infrastructure and tech cooperation for smaller ASEAN nations. Too often these meetings are just photo ops with vague commitments. 🧐
As someone who follows geopolitics, I'm glad the Quad is reaffirming support for ASEAN unity. The Indo-Pacific needs rules-based order, and India's balancing act between the US and Russia is always interesting to watch.
Respectfully, the Quad talks a lot about "free and open" but what about the fishing disputes and debt-trap diplomacy in the region? Words are cheap without concrete action. India should push for more transparency in these partnerships.
Great that EAM Jaishankar is there representing India. The Quad's focus on critical tech and maritime security aligns with India's interests in the Indian Ocean region. Let's hope this strengthens our position vis-à-vis China. 🇮🇳
I appreciate the Quad's commitment to ASEAN, but I wish they'd also focus more on climate resilience and pandemic response in the region. Security is important, but so are people's livelihoods. Just my two paise. 🌏
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