Press Releases
Japan -Australia-India-U.S. Consultations
Senior officials from Japan, Australia, India, and the United States met by videoconference, on September 25, 2020. The participants were Mr. YAMADA Shigeo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Policy, from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Justin Hayhurst, Deputy Secretary (Indo-Pacific Group), from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms. Vani Rao, Joint Secretary (Americas) and Mr. Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary (East Asia), from Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. David Stilwell, Assistant Secretary of State (East Asian and Pacific Affairs) and Mr. Dean Thompson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (South and Central Asian Affairs) , from the U.S. Department of State.
1. The officials discussed the strategic implications of COVID-19 on the Indo-Pacific region and confirmed that they will continue to coordinate closely with countries in the region.
2. The officials concurred on further deepening practical cooperation on quality infrastructure, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. They also exchanged views on regional issues.
3. The officials reaffirmed their countries’ strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality as well as the ASEAN-led regional architecture. They also reaffirmed their full support for the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific. They concurred on deepening coordination with other countries in realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
4. The officials concurred on continuing regular consultations, including at ministerial level, and on advancing practical cooperation in support of a free, open, prosperous, rules-based and inclusive Indo-Pacific.