During the 78th United Nations General Assembly, representatives from the Quad member countries - the United States, Australia, India, and Japan - convened in New York City to underscore their dedication to international cooperation and their unwavering support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, one that prioritizes inclusivity and resilience.
Their meeting sought to reinforce their commitment to upholding established rules, norms, and standards, while simultaneously deepening their collaboration within the Quad framework. In a joint statement released at the conclusion of the meeting, the members expressed deep concerns about the conflict in Ukraine and its severe humanitarian consequences. They called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in alignment with international law and the UN Charter and also voiced support for global food security initiatives.
Their shared vision, as outlined in Hiroshima on May 20, 2023, envisions an Indo-Pacific marked by peace, prosperity, stability, security, and a commitment to resolving disputes in accordance with international law. They emphatically uphold fundamental principles such as freedom, the rule of law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful conflict resolution, while opposing any unilateral actions aiming to alter the status quo, instead emphasizing responsible competition within the Indo-Pacific.
Additionally, the Quad nations reiterated their dedication to the United Nations Charter and called upon all nations to adhere to its principles, including refraining from threats or the use of force against a state's territorial integrity or political independence. They underscored the paramount importance of international law as a cornerstone for stability and equitable treatment of all member states.
According to the statement, the Quad is committed to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting their interconnected and indivisible nature, spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions. They stress the pivotal role of the United Nations in supporting countries in their pursuit of these goals. The Quad's actions in the Indo-Pacific contribute to advancing the 2030 Agenda by delivering sustainable economic and social benefits that resonate with regional partners.
The Quad members expressed their support for comprehensive reforms within the United Nations, including expanding both permanent and non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council. They advocated for a more representative, transparent, effective, and credible UN Security Council to address subversion of the international system and promote accountability.
They also emphasized the importance of an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region supported by effective institutions and voiced unwavering support for ASEAN's unity and centrality, the ASEAN-led regional architecture, and the practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. In line with the objectives of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the members expressed their support for Pacific-led regional organizations and their assistance to Pacific Island countries.
Regarding practical cooperation, the Quad nations launched initiatives focused on climate change, clean energy supply chains, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, and pandemic preparedness. They emphasized the significance of leveraging collective expertise to address global challenges, including disinformation and countering the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
Within the maritime domain, the Quad nations are actively enhancing security and promoting maritime domain awareness in partnership with regional allies. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as needed.
Regarding North Korea, the Quad nations condemned destabilizing ballistic missile launches and the pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of UN Security Council resolutions. They stressed the importance of denuclearization, addressing proliferation, and resolving the abductions issue.
The Quad nations remain deeply concerned about the crisis in Myanmar and call for an end to violence, the release of detainees, unhindered humanitarian assistance, dialogue, and a return to Myanmar's path toward inclusive federal democracy.
In conclusion, the Quad Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the vision set by their Leaders, focusing on concrete outcomes that benefit the Indo-Pacific region. They eagerly anticipate their next in-person meeting in Japan in 2024.
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