Good afternoon everyone.
I’m delighted to be here among friends, and to continue our important work as Quad partners.
Thank you, President Biden, for hosting and welcoming us – it’s an honour to be here with you in your beautiful home state of Delaware.
I’m also so pleased to see you, Prime Minister Modi, and you, Prime Minister Kishida.
Coming together today demonstrates that the Quad is building its momentum.
For Australia, the Quad is a key instrument to promote stability in our region.
A stronger Quad means a stronger Australia.
Together, our four nations are committed to an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and we have a shared vision for a region that is governed by accepted rules and norms where all countries can cooperate, trade, and thrive.
Through the Quad, our four countries collaborate and coordinate on the issues facing our communities and the region as a whole.
Through the Quad we leverage our significant resources and expertise to contribute in meaningful ways to dealing with the challenges facing countries in the region.
And we ensure that in our region, all nations – big and small – have their sovereignty respected and can secure their own future.
That means delivering a transparent, positive, and practical agenda that addresses regional economic and development challenges.
It means driving opportunity for our people and shared prosperity for our region.
The Quad is about practical, meaningful outcomes in strategic areas ranging from clean energy and health security to critical and emerging technologies, cyber resilience, infrastructure, space, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
Since I chaired our meeting in Hiroshima last year, we’ve continued to deepen our collaboration and we have continued to deliver concrete results.
Our collective actions through the Quad continue to respond to the Indo-Pacific’s priorities and needs, and align with our shared vision for the region.
In all of this, in everything the Quad does, respect for the centrality of regional institutions – including ASEAN, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association – will continue to be integral to our efforts.
Australia, and the Quad, will always be better off when we work together with our close friends and partners.
And there’s more to do.
We are fortunate to live in a region that is the fastest growing in human history, full of dynamism and promise.
But all of this promise depends on continued peace and stability, and the wise management of strategic competition and of disputes.
Dialogue is central to this.
And dialogue is central to Australia’s approach. Because regardless of the issue, it is always best when we deal direct.
That’s how we will manage the challenges we face today, and build for greater prosperity in the future.
Partnerships like Quad are crucial, providing us with an avenue to discuss shared responsibilities and goals, and strengthening the enduring relationships necessary for lasting stability.
Which is why we recommit today to continue to work with our Indo-Pacific neighbours, our friends and partners.
May I take this opportunity to thank you, President Biden, Prime Minister Modi, and you, Prime Minister Kishida, for your commitment to this Quad partnership over many years.
Can I also say how much I’m looking forward to my good friend Prime Minister Modi hosting next year’s Quad Leaders’ Summit in India.
