Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has used his opening address at the Quad summit in Delaware, USA to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to the regional grouping, describing it as a “key instrument to promote stability in our region” stressing that “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” Albanese added.
The PM – who was introduced by US President Joe Biden as “Anthony” – said cooperation will “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 summit, which has now concluded, covered topics ranging from climate change, public health and regional security cooperation.
Albanese also sounded a cautious not stressing that “dialogue” was essential to regional security, saying that “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”.