New Delhi: In a joint statement issued on Tuesday (December 31), the foreign ministers of Quad countries hailed the contribution of the group in responding collectively to address the needs of the people in the Indo-Pacific region. The group reiterated its commitment to providing a response to people affected by ‘disasters and humanitarian crises’ in future.
The statement was issued commemorating the 20th anniversary of the formation of the group. Australia, India, Japan, and US form are members of the Quad.
The group was formed in response to the earthquake in the Indian ocean and tsunami. As many as 0.25 million people died and 1.7 million were displaced in 14 countries.
According to the statement, 40,000 emergency responders from four countries, along with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region, came together to provide relief to the millions of people affected by the disaster.
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The leaders of four countries have been meeting annually since 2021.
The foreign ministers stated that the group has broadened its efforts to address pressing challenges such as climate change, cancer, and pandemics, while also focusing on enhancing quality infrastructure, maritime domain awareness, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) education, counter-terrorism, critical technologies, and cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The group also committed to supporting other regional groups.
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity as well as mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. We are also steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organisation,” the statement read.
In a post on X, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar wrote, “Today, the Quad stands as a vital force for stability, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. “
Two decades ago, the idea of Quad began with a shared response to the Indian Ocean tsunami.
AdvertisementToday, the Quad stands as a vital force for stability, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
On its 20th anniversary, I join @SenatorWong, FM Takeshi Iwaya and @SecBlinken in… pic.twitter.com/82KpKw2EaX
Advertisement— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 31, 2024
