Quad Leaders’ Summit opening remarks
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good evening, everyone. I’m very honoured to be convening the third in-person Quad Leaders Summit here in Hiroshima. And I want to thank particularly Fumio, but also President Biden and Prime Minister Modi as well for showing how we are, indeed, an outcomes-focused grouping that can get things done and can be flexible to make sure that we achieve these outcomes. It’s an example of our resolve and also I think a clear statement of how important we regard the Quad as being an essential component. My first act one year ago tomorrow, indeed, was, after being sworn in as Prime Minister, was to fly to Tokyo to represent Australia in Japan at the second Quad Leaders’ Summit. And I will never forget the very warm and generous welcome that I had after my election. I can’t think of any better way to begin a prime ministership than a gathering of such important friends from our region. One year on I’m absolutely delighted to be amongst close friends again here in Japan to continue our important work. Standing together for an open, stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. A region where sovereignty is respected, and all countries large and small benefit from a regional balance that keeps the peace. Respect for the leadership of regional institutions including ASEAN, the Pacific Island Forum, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association is central to our approach. And our vision statement that we will release tonight sets out the principles for our engagement in the region. Through the Quad’s positive practical agenda we are taking action to address shared challenges. Together, we are leveraging our collective strengths and offering support to the region which will be enhanced by the outcomes that we hope to agree on tonight.
ENDS