New Delhi (NVI): Senior officials from India, Australia, Japan and the United States today held consultations, with special focus promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
“Senior officials from the 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 held a video conference on 25 September 2020 for consultations on regional and global issues of common interest,” the MEA said.
During the consultations, 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, MEA said.
The last such official level discussions were held in November 2019. Follwing the last year’s talks and the Ministerial engagement of September 2019, the officials exchanged views on ongoing and proposed practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity and infrastructure development, and security matters, including counter-terrorism, cyber and maritime security, with the objective of promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministry said in a statement.
The officials reiterated their firm support for ASEAN-Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms particularly the leaders-led East Asia Summit, 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 also appreciated the Vietnamese chairmanship of the ASEAN and looked forward to the 15th East Asia Summit in November this year. The officials looked forward to the Ministerial consultations to be held later this year.
-ARK
