Australia’s Foreign Minister Highlights Quad’s Commitment to Peaceful Indo-Pacific During US Visit
Washington DC [US], January 20 – Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong reaffirmed the Quad partners’ shared dedication to ensuring a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific during her visit to the United States. Wong expressed eagerness to meet with her Quad counterparts, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, to deepen cooperation within the diplomatic alliance.
Wong emphasized the Quad’s unwavering commitment to regional stability and prosperity in a statement before attending the inauguration of President Donald Trump. “We share an unwavering commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Wong said, highlighting the significance of the Quad partnership in addressing the region’s challenges.
The visit marks a milestone in Australia’s relationship with the United States, which Wong described as “a vital ally” and “our most important strategic relationship.” She expressed the importance of strengthening this alliance, noting the US as Australia’s most significant economic partner. Wong also plans to engage with members of Congress during her visit to discuss how both nations can enhance bilateral ties.
“While in Washington DC, I will meet with members of the Trump Administration and Congress to discuss how we can expand our cooperation,” she added.
Wong’s remarks were echoed by Jaishankar, who met with her in Washington DC. “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 said in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The Quad, a strategic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is focused on ensuring an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Through shared goals of resilience and inclusivity, the four nations continue to collaborate on various global and regional issues.
This visit underscores the continued importance of Quad cooperation as a key component of international diplomatic efforts aimed at securing peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
