Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed their commitment to Quad cooperation with the United States and India to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Meeting in Washington on Sunday, the ministers emphasized the growing need for collaboration in the face of an increasingly complex security environment. “More than ever, Japan and Australia must play a leading role in realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Iwaya said.
The Japanese Foreign Ministry noted that Tokyo and Canberra aim to advance “multilayered” cooperation with like-minded nations, focusing on economic issues, cybersecurity, and people-to-people exchanges.
A Quad meeting is planned for Tuesday, pending the Senate confirmation of Marco Rubio as U.S. Secretary of State, officials said.
Iwaya also met Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who attended the meeting at the invitation of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s team. The two discussed deepening ties, highlighting the 40th anniversary of Japan-India science and technology cooperation in 2025.
“Japan and India share fundamental values and have a great responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the international community,” Iwaya said.
The ministers reiterated their commitment to advancing Quad initiatives to promote regional stability and prosperity.