On 15 November, senior officials from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade met representatives from the foreign ministries of India, Japan and the United States for discussions on the Indo-Pacific region. The officials reaffirmed a shared commitment to maintain and strengthen a rules-based order. They discussed the complementary visions for the Indo-Pacific held by their four countries which each strive for an open, prosperous and inclusive region in which international law, freedom of navigation and overflight and the rights of all states are respected.
The officials highlighted the importance of good governance in strengthening a rules-based order and also reviewed initiatives to enhance regional security, including through cooperation on maritime, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and cyber issues. The parties noted the value of working together to support stability in the Indo-Pacific regional maritime domain. They committed to supporting broad economic development that harnesses the region's full potential and fosters connectivity, and affirmed the importance of development of infrastructure based on principles of transparency and openness, meeting genuine need, avoiding unsustainable debt burdens and adherence to high standards.
They reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture, particularly the East Asia Summit, as well as for other important regional institutions such as the Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Participants highlighted the importance of coordination and collaboration with all interested countries and institutions to support a resilient, peaceful and prosperous region.
The officials also exchanged views on recent regional developments, including in Sri Lanka and Maldives.
The four countries agreed to continue to meet regularly for Consultations on Indo-Pacific engagement and initiatives.