Quad group reaffirms commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region
Foreign ministers of the Quad countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific region during their meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, emphasizing the importance of economic security and protecting global supply chains.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
New Delhi, October 31 (KUNA) -- The foreign ministers of the Quad countries reaffirmed on Saturday their shared commitment to a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific region during their meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated in a joint press release issued by the group on economic prosperity and security following the ministerial meeting that the United States, Japan, India, and Australia emphasized the importance of economic security in maintaining global stability and prosperity. The joint statement pointed to the four countries’ renewed commitment to building reliable and open global supply chains and developing resilient and dependable infrastructure. The Quad foreign ministers also expressed deep concern over economic coercion, including the imposition of arbitrary export restrictions, as well as policies and practices not based on market mechanisms that lead to overcapacity, thereby disrupting global supply chains in critical sectors. The ministers stressed the utmost necessity of protecting and safeguarding freedom of navigation rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in accordance with international law, as stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Quad ministers highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence and initiatives such as “Pax Silica” for the future of economic growth, expressing their resolve to provide technical and financial assistance exceeding $85 million to support access to reliable artificial intelligence technologies in the Indo-Pacific region. The ministers welcomed progress made in key initiatives aimed at enhancing the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, including securing critical mineral supply chains. They also reaffirmed their support for energy security in the region and their efforts to develop port infrastructure in Fiji, build infrastructure capacity across the Indo-Pacific region, enhance trade diplomacy, and develop secure and resilient digital infrastructure in the region. (End) A.T.K. / M.M.J.
