Foreign Minister Payne, let me first of all thank you for hosting what was truly a productive meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers. We also had an opportunity earlier in the day to meet collectively with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, for what was a very insightful, a very useful discussion before our own deliberations. The interactions that we have had, has made it evident that robust bilateral relations between our respective countries, our strategic convergences, and our shared democratic values have all combined to make the Quad a vibrant and substantial framework. We are building an agenda which seeks to further our shared vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. We are keen to work together to further peace and stability and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific through collective efforts which address contemporary issues.
In this context we will continue to support our ASEAN partners in their efforts to uphold peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Their centrality is important to recognize and reiterate. We reviewed the Quad’s ongoing efforts to combat the Covid pandemic and agreed to expedite delivery of safe and affordable vaccines, support capacity building and augment infrastructure for last mile delivery. Quad’s discussions and efforts to build resilient supply chains, enhance availability of trusted critical technologies, counter disinformation and uphold rules based multilateral trading system will contribute to fostering global economic resilience. I welcome the Quad’s shared desire to address common global threats such as terrorism, strengthen maritime domain awareness, provide timely HADR assistance, and assist countries in the Indo-Pacific in the area of cybersecurity.
Taking forward the Quad’s positive agenda which our leaders endorsed last year, we will take steps to strengthen our existing people to people linkages through education programs and think tank dialogues as we conclude this very timely and valuable interaction. We will work together to give shape and substance to the Quad’s positive agenda to make it in the words of my Prime Minister, Narendra Modi - ‘a force for global good’.
Once again I thank the Government of Australia and in particular, my friend Marise Payne for the warmth, hospitality and excellent arrangement for our visits and meetings.
