On 20 May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Quad Leaders Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States, in Hiroshima for the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit.
The Quad is a diplomatic partnership of four countries committed to promoting stability, resilience and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Australia, India, Japan and the United States share a vision for a region that is governed by accepted rules and norms, where all countries can cooperate, trade and thrive.
Quad Leaders discussed regional challenges and ways to deepen existing Quad cooperation, including in the areas of climate and clean energy, health security, infrastructure, critical & emerging technology, cyber and space. Leaders released a Joint Leaders’ Statement, and the Quad Leaders’ Vision Statement, setting out a shared vision for the Quad and the Indo-Pacific region.
Leaders announced the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit outcomes demonstrating the Quad’s positive, practical agenda, and highlighting the Quad’s commitment to deliver for the Indo-Pacific. Key outcomes include:
- A ‘Quad Statement of Principles on Clean Energy Supply Chains in the Indo-Pacific’ and, to implement these principles, a ‘Clean Energy Supply Chains Diversification Program’ that will accelerate access to affordable, reliable and secure clean energy in the Indo-Pacific;
- A ‘Quad Health Security Partnership’ that will boost the region’s capability to respond to future disease outbreaks and other health emergencies;
- A ‘Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience’ to help Indo-Pacific countries access resilient infrastructure – in a way that is fit for purpose and meets their needs;
- A ‘Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Program’ that will support the Indo-Pacific’s next generation of engineers, consultants and government officials to deliver high-quality, sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure; and
- An Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) deployment in the Pacific that will be the first of its kind and will help improve digital connectivity and access to advanced telecommunications technology.
Australia’s engagement in the Quad complements our engagement in the Indo-Pacific bilaterally and through regional institutions, such as ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Prime Minister Albanese looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Sydney next week.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“While the Summit couldn’t take place in Sydney as planned, I’m pleased to have convened a Quad meeting with counterparts today to discuss pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region and deepening the Quad’s cooperation.”
“The Quad Leaders coming together in-person sends a strong message about Quad unity and what the group is able to achieve together. Australia is always better off when we work together with our close friends and partners, and engage openly and constructively.”
“At its core, the Quad’s agenda is positive and practical. I was delighted to announce the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit outcomes, which take forward the Quad’s work on climate change and clean energy, infrastructure and connectivity, health security, and critical and emerging technology. We’re delivering for the Indo-Pacific, and following through on our commitments.”
“I am proud of what we have delivered through the Quad so far, and I will continue to work closely with my Quad colleagues in support of an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty is respected.”