Quad countries discuss security cooperation, connectivity

Bangkok, Nov 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) Senior officials from the Quad countries -- India, Japan, Australia and the US -- met in Bangkok on Monday and discussed matters related to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including boosting connectivity and cooperation in security matters.

Senior officials from Ministry of External Affairs of India, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Australia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Department of State of the United States of America met in Bangkok for consultations on regional and global issues of common interest.

Proceeding from the strategic guidance of their Ministers, who met in New York City on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly recently, the officials exchanged views on ongoing and additional practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity and infrastructure development, and security matters, including counterterrorism, cyber and maritime security, with a view to promoting peace, security, stability, prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

The officials reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific Region based on shared values and principles and respect for international law.

The officials reiterated their firm support for ASEAN-Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms in the regional architecture for the Indo-Pacific, and their readiness to work with ASEAN and all other countries towards realizing a common and promising vision for the Indo-Pacific. They appreciated the Thai chairmanship of the ASEAN and looked forward to working with Vietnam during its chairmanship in the coming year, the statement said.

Source: IANS