Quad leaders reaffirm commitment to strengthen free, open Indo-Pacific
(VOVWORLD) - The foreign ministers of the “Quad” – the US, Australia, India, and Japan – met Tuesday in Washington, D.C., marking the first foreign policy engagement with new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
 The "Quad" leaders reaffirm their commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific. (Photo: The Diplomat) |
The four nations affirmed their shared commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended.
Their joint statement emphasized that international law, economic opportunity, and peace and security in all domains, including maritime, are fundamental to the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. It also strongly condemned any unilateral actions seeking to alter the status quo through force or coercion.
The four nations announced plans for regular official meetings in preparation for an upcoming leaders' summit in India, expected this year.