New Delhi. Officials from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Australia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Department of State of the United States of America met in Bangkok on May 31 for consultations on regional and global issues of common interest.

The officials discussed cooperation in the areas of connectivity and infrastructure development; regional security, including counter-terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief; maritime cooperation; and cyber security issues, with a view to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

They reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific Region based on shared values and principles.

The participants reiterated their strong support for ASEAN-Centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms in the regional architecture for the Indo-Pacific and in this regard welcomed the initiative of ASEAN towards a common vision for the Indo-Pacific.