Senior officials from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade met representatives from the foreign ministries of India, Japan and the United States in Bangkok on 31 May for consultations on Indo-Pacific engagement and initiatives.
They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting an open, prosperous and inclusive region in which international law, freedom of navigation and overflight and the rights of all states are respected.
Officials agreed to continue close coordination and collaboration to enhance regional security, including through practical cooperation on maritime, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and cyber issues.
Participants discussed the role of quality, sustainable and transparent infrastructure development in improving economic growth, sustainable development and integration in our region. They agreed to explore opportunities to cooperate with regional partners to promote a transparent, rules-based approach to trans-boundary challenges.
They reaffirmed their strong commitment to ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture, and welcomed ASEAN's ongoing efforts to shape its own outlook for the Indo-Pacific. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
The four countries committed to deepen cooperation and to continue regular consultations on the Indo-Pacific.