Press Releases: U.S.-Australia-India-Japan Consultations

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Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 7, 2018


On June 7, senior officials from the United States, Australia, India, and Japan met in Singapore on the sidelines of the ASEAN-centered Senior Officials Meetings and reaffirmed shared support for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region where all countries respect sovereignty, international law, including with respect to freedom of navigation and overflight, and sustainable development. The officials confirmed that the four countries had a common commitment, founded on shared democratic values and principles, to uphold and strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Meeting participants examined ways to achieve shared goals, including in development and connectivity; good governance; regional security, including counterterrorism and nonproliferation; and maritime cooperation.

The four countries reiterated strong support for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms in the evolving regional architecture, and affirmed the indispensable role of regional institutions in the Indo-Pacific. Participants noted that they each have an important role to play in safeguarding and strengthening open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional order. All sides committed to partner with countries and institutions in the region to promote the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The four countries also committed to continuing discussions on a regular basis.