The foreign ministers of the Quad member states, which include Australia, India, Japan and the United States, issued a joint statement to mark the 20th anniversary of this cooperation, which began in the wake of the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004.
 > The joint statement – according to what was reported by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today, Tuesday – indicated that the four countries at that time provided a unified emergency response to support millions of people affected by the disaster, which claimed the lives of nearly A quarter of a million people, 1.7 million others were displaced in 14 countries, and more than 40,000 emergency responders from member states participated in relief efforts in cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
< p>The statement affirmed the Quartet’s commitment to continuing to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief, noting the member states’ support for disaster preparedness and relief efforts in 2024, and also pointed to the ongoing work to develop new methods. To respond to humanitarian crises quickly and efficiently.
He explained that the cooperation, which began as an emergency response, has evolved into an integrated partnership aimed at addressing multiple challenges, such as climate change, strengthening infrastructure, and increasing Maritime awareness, combating terrorism, enhancing cybersecurity and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, stressing the commitment of the four countries to a common vision for the Indo-Pacific region, based on freedom, openness and peace. And stability.
The statement pointed to the Quad’s support for the unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the implementation of its regional perspective, in addition to respecting the Pacific-led regional structure and supporting the Ocean Rim Association. Indian Ocean as a major organization in the region.
The statement concluded by affirming the commitment of the Quad member states to continue cooperation to respond to future needs and strengthen regional partnerships, in order to achieve stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. And quiet.
