The Quad foreign ministers also talked about the centrality of 10-nation grouping Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Indo-Pacific. “We reaffirm our unwavering support forEAN’s centrality and unity as well as mainstreaming and implementation of theEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” the ministers said.”We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. We are also steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organisation,” they said.The Quad foreign ministers also referred to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and how the four countries came together to respond to the challenges. “The tsunami was one of the worst disasters in history, claiming the lives of nearly a quarter million people and displacing 1.7 million across 14 countries,” they said.”Together our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, working with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region to support millions of people affected by the catastrophe.” In the statement, the ministers further noted that the foundational commitment of the four nations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remained strong.”We continue to work side-by-side to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to disasters across the region,” they said.”In 2024, our four countries collectively supported disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the Indo-Pacific and we continue to build on those efforts to identify new ways to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and disasters,” they added.The ministers also briefly highlighted the Quad’s focus on addressing complex challenges in the Indo-Pacific.”What began as an emergency response to a catastrophe has grown into a full-fledged partnership delivering positive outcomes for the people of our region,” the statement noted.It said the Quad countries now work together and with partners across the Indo-Pacific to address complex challenges — from fighting climate change, cancer and pandemics, to bolstering quality infrastructure, counter-terrorism efforts, critical and emerging technologies, and cyber security.”Since 2021, the leaders of our four nations have met annually to drive the Quad’s positive contributions across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific,” the ministers said.In the last Quad summit held in Wilmington in the US, top leaders of the grouping unveiled major steps to expand maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.They also called for rules-based global order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
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