Australia’s Foreign Minister Highlights Strengthened Quad Commitment at Trump’s Inauguration

Washington, DC [US], January 20: Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, expressed her pleasure over the invitation extended to the Foreign Ministers of the Quad countries — India, the US, Australia, and Japan — to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. In her remarks, Wong underscored that this gesture symbolized a “collective commitment” among the nations to the Quad alliance, reinforcing the importance of close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington, DC, Wong reflected on her meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, held prior to Trump’s inauguration. She noted, “Quad Foreign Ministers are also here in DC for the inauguration. I had the opportunity to meet with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and the Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya ahead of the inauguration. We’re really pleased at the invitation extended to Quad Foreign Ministers. It’s a demonstration of the collective commitment of all countries to the Quad, an iron-clad commitment in this time where close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is so important.”

Looking ahead, Wong mentioned her plans to meet with members of the Trump administration and Congress in the coming days. “Australia is here, again, from day one to pursue our shared interests and to deliver for both our peoples,” she added, reinforcing Australia’s continued engagement with the US government.

Wong also expressed her honor at being the first Australian Foreign Minister to be invited to a US Presidential inauguration. She highlighted that Australia’s invitation to this significant event, one of only a few foreign governments to receive it, symbolized the enduring alliance between the two nations. “I am so honoured to be the first Australian Foreign Minister who has been invited to a presidential inauguration,” she said. “We are one of only a small handful of foreign governments to receive this invitation, a demonstration of the steadfast alliance between Australia and the United States, an alliance, a relationship, bound by a long history of cooperation, shared ambitions, and enduring respect between our peoples.”

As part of her visit, Wong also mentioned her intention to meet with Marco Rubio, the nominee for US Secretary of State, to discuss further enhancing the strong economic and security partnership between Australia and the United States. She emphasized the critical nature of this alliance for both countries, especially in contributing to Australia’s defense, security, and economic prosperity.

“The alliance is critical to both our nations and is critical to our region,” Wong said. “It is critical because of its contribution to Australia’s defence, Australia’s security and, of course, Australia’s economic prosperity. The US is our closest global partner. It is our most important strategic relationship.”

The Quad partnership, involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is committed to supporting a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. This cooperation aims to ensure a stable and resilient regional order, a vision shared by all four countries, as outlined by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

On January 19, Jaishankar also met with Penny Wong in Washington, DC, sharing his positive sentiments about their discussions. “Delighted to meet FM Penny Wong, a Quad colleague, in Washington DC today. As always, enjoyed our discussion on the state of the world,” he posted on social media.

The Quad alliance continues to gain prominence as a strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific, with each member nation reinforcing its commitment to regional stability and prosperity.