At the Quad Summit held in the USA, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the increasing severity of the security environment around us, necessitating a continued strong commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He remarked that nothing could be more fitting for his last foreign trip as Prime Minister than this meeting.
Prime Minister Kishida said, 'It is a joy to meet Quad leaders to discuss the future of the Indo-Pacific. I thank Joe Biden for his friendship and leadership. Throughout my term, I have continuously focused on the efforts of the Quad following our previous meeting in Hiroshima.'
'Security Environment is Becoming More Serious'
He mentioned, 'For my last foreign trip as Prime Minister, I believe nothing could be better than this meeting.' The Japanese PM added, 'The security environment around us is increasingly serious, and the rule-based international order is at risk. Hence, for us, as the Quad members sharing values like freedom and democracy, it is crucial to maintain our unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific for the international community.'
'Coordination with Regional Countries is Necessary'
Kishida pointed out, 'To realize the FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific), coordination with regional countries is extremely important. I look forward to a meaningful discussion today, so we can hear the voices of regional countries, including ASEAN, South Asia, and Pacific Island countries, and further promote practical cooperation that will benefit the region.'
What Did PM Modi Say at the Summit?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed, 'I am extremely delighted to be part of this Quad Summit in my third term. Our meeting is taking place when the world is surrounded by tensions and conflicts. At such times, Quad's collaborative efforts based on shared democratic values are crucial for humanity.'
He continued, 'We are not against anyone. We seek to respect the rules-based international order, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of all issues. Once again, I welcome President Biden and all my colleagues. We will be happy to host the Quad leaders' summit in India in 2025.'
Biden Said- We Know How to Get Things Done
At the conference, US President Joe Biden remarked, 'We are democratic nations that know how to get things done. That's why in the early days of my presidency, I met with all of you, visited your countries, and proposed making the Quad more consequential. Four years later, our four nations are more strategically aligned than ever.'
