US Secretary of State Antony Blinken joins other Quad foreign ministers in Tokyo

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined the foreign ministers of Australia, India and Japan at the Quad foreign ministers meeting in Tokyo on Monday to discuss issues that can improve life in the Indo-Pacific region.

Climate resilience, humanitarian aid, regional investment, education, internet connectivity, maritime security —

Today, @SecBlinken connects with partner #Quad A meeting of foreign ministers will be held in Tokyo to work on issues that will improve life in the Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/QV9fb5VwPr

— US Embassy Australia (@USEmbAustralia) July 28, 2024

“Climate resilience, humanitarian assistance, regional investment, education, internet connectivity, maritime security,” the US Embassy in Australia said in a post on X.

“Today, @SecBlinken joins fellow #Quad Foreign Ministers in Tokyo to work on issues that improve life in the Indo-Pacific region,” the post further said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Tokyo on Sunday, met Antony Blinken and said they held wide-ranging discussions on regional and global issues.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Great to meet @SecBlinken in Tokyo today. Our bilateral agenda continues to grow. There were also wide-ranging discussions on regional and global issues. Look forward to participating in the Quad FMM tomorrow.”

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar presented an opening statement at the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, where he/she underlined the need for trusted partnerships between the countries to ensure stability.

he/she said, “It is great to meet again in Tokyo. Our last Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting was ten months ago in New York. In that period, we have met each other bilaterally or during other events. However, our systems, led by our Sherpas, have been interacting continuously. So there is a lot to talk about, agree on and plan ahead today.”

Jaishankar said the Quad’s commitment to global good extends beyond the region.

he/she said, “The commitment we have all shown to the global good has implications far beyond this region. So it is important that our political understanding is strengthened, our economic partnership grows, our technological cooperation expands and comfort between our peoples increases. Our meeting must send a clear message that the Quad is here to stay, work and grow.”

Jaishankar said these are difficult times and ensuring economic growth is challenging. “These are not easy times. A big challenge is to ensure global economic growth and at the same time make it risk-free. There is a special focus for supply chain resilience, just as we push for trusted and transparent digital partnerships. The development of technology has also acquired extraordinary proportions, bringing possibilities in the way we live, think and act. In a way, we are in the midst of globalisation again,” he/she said.

Further, the Foreign Minister said that the collective efforts of the Quad will ensure security against man-made or natural disruptions.

The Quad, a diplomatic partnership between four countries, is committed to supporting an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The meeting will discuss regional and international issues, and guide future cooperation to achieve the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region by addressing the contemporary priorities of the region through the delivery of public goods.