Tokyo, 8 July 2022 (TDI): Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Tokyo yesterday. They addressed the strong US-Australia alliance and their cooperative efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region on the margins of the Quad Leaders’ Summit.
The Secretary and Foreign Minister underlined their commitment to cooperating bilaterally, through the Quad, and the AUKUS cooperation, as well as their sustained appreciation for ASEAN’s centrality.
Economic Framework for the Indo-Pacific:
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Wong praised the opening of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. They believe it will lead to long-term, equitable economic growth, and prosperity.
They reviewed their various responses to the Ukraine conflict and the ongoing sad humanitarian crisis, as well as the ramifications for the Indo-Pacific region.
Moreover, they stated categorically that international law, particularly the UN Charter, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states are at the heart of the international system.
The US Secretary of State reaffirmed their firm commitment to preserving the region’s peace and stability. They also stressed the need for all countries to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts in conformity with international law.
The US Secretary of State and Australia’s Foreign Minister underlined their shared commitment to expanding infrastructure cooperation. It is crucial to the Indo-Pacific region’s production and economy.
They emphasized the importance of solving the climate crisis. They also talked about how to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its unjustified and unlawful war against Ukraine.
Very good meeting with Australian Foreign Minister @SenatorWong. We discussed our strong alliance and our shared efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 8, 2022
US interests in Indo-Pacific
In the Indo-Pacific, the US will pursue five goals, each in collaboration with its allies and partners, as well as regional organizations.
- INTRODUCTION OF A FREE AND OPEN INDO-PACIFIC
- CREATE CONNECTIONS WITHIN AND WITHOUT THE REGION
- IMPACT REGIONAL PROSPERITY
- IMPROVE INDO-PACIFIC SECURITY
- STRENGTHEN REGIONAL RESISTANCE TO TRANSNATIONAL THREATS
US-Australia alliance and our cooperative efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region
The US Secretary of State praised the new Australian government’s commitment to increased climate action. This includes enacting legislation to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and submitting a new, ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution.
They underline the importance of working together to provide security support to Ukraine. The Secretary and Foreign Minister both expressed their concern about current events in the region.
They both envisioned a free and open Indo-Pacific. They underline the significance of fundamental values and beliefs and pledge to work relentlessly to bring practical results to the region.
In doing so, they will formalize Quad activities, such as regular meetings of Leaders and Foreign Ministers. They agree to conduct their next in-person summit in Australia in 2023.
