EAM Jaishankar chairs Quad Foreign

EAM Jaishankar chairs Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi

CITY REPORTER NEWS DESK,03-Feb; The Foreign Ministers of Quad member countries have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive and resilient.

In a joint statement, the leaders also reiterated their support to the principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japan foreign minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Australian foreign minister Penny Wong.

The statement said, Quad, which will act as a force for regional and global good, will be guided by the priorities of the Indo-Pacific region through its positive and constructive agenda.

The leaders also reaffirmed their support to the region through practical cooperation on contemporary challenges such as health security, climate change, clean energy transition, critical and emerging technologies, infrastructure, connectivity, maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Over the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the statement said, there is need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. The leaders also emphasised that the rules-based international order must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, transparency and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The Quad Foreign Minister also condemned the launch of yet another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on February 16, 2023 and said it is in violation of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRS). The leaders said Quad countries are committed to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and urge North Korea to comply with its obligations under UNSCRS.

The Foreign Ministers also raised concerns over the use of emerging and evolving technologies such as unmanned aerial systems in terrorism activities.

The leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. They denounced the use of terrorist proxies and emphasised the importance of denying any logistical, financial or military support to terrorist organizations.

During the meeting Foreign Minister condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Pathankot.

Over the Myanmar situation, they strongly emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, stability and prosperity and expressed deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. The leader said there is need for complete cessation of violence and the release of all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar.(CNS)