Countries & Regions

1. Senior officials from Japan, Australia, India, and the United States met in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 4, 2019, for consultations on collective efforts to advance a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. From the Japanese side, Mr. Shigeo Yamada, Director-General of Foreign Policy Bureau attended. From Australian side, Mr. Richard Maude, Deputy Secretary, Indo-Pacific Group, in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade attended. From Indian side, Mr. Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (Americas), Ministry of External Affairs attended. From the U.S. side, Mr. David Stilwell, Assistant Secretary of State (East Asian and Pacific Affairs) and Ms. Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State (South and Central Asian Affairs) attended.

2. The four countries reaffirmed their support for a rules-based order in the region that promotes stability, growth, and economic prosperity.

3. The four countries continued productive discussions, based on the discussion at the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Ministerial held on September 26, for advancing practical collaboration on counter-terrorism, cyber security, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

4. The four countries agreed to enhance coordination on quality infrastructure investment based on international standards such as the “G20 Principles for Quality Infrastructure Investment (PDF)”, including through strengthening partnerships with and support for existing regional frameworks. The four countries exchanged views on regional issues, including the DPRK.

5. The four countries welcomed the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their countries’ strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality as well as the ASEAN-led regional architecture.

6. The four countries underscored their intent to continue regular consultations on Indo-Pacific engagement and agreed to hold the next senior officials’ meeting in spring 2020.