Singapore. The four nation Quad of India, Australia, Japan and the United States has reaffirmed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) centrality as the cornerstone of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific during its four-member consultation at Singapore on the sidelines of ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit on November 15.

It may be noted here that the officials from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Department of State of the United States of America met in Singapore for consultations on regional and global issues of common interest.

The Quad agreed to partner with other countries and forums in the region to promote a free, open, rules-based and inclusive order in the Indo-Pacific that fosters trust and confidence. The four nations committed to strengthening connectivity and quality infrastructure based on sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of all nations, as well as transparency, economic viability and financial responsibility.

The discussions among the four nations focused on cooperation in areas such as connectivity, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and maritime and cyber security, with a view to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in an increasingly inter-connected Indo-Pacific region that the four countries share with each other and with other partners.

The officials also exchanged views on recent developments in the regional situation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the all sides agreed to continue the consultations.