Quad Celebrates Two Decades of Commitment to Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief
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New Delhi, Dec 31 (NationPress) The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a strategic coalition of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is commemorating two decades of partnership.
Formed in response to the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the Quad has transformed into a vital forum advocating for an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
In a collective declaration honoring this significant milestone, the Quad Foreign Ministers reiterated their dedication to the centrality and unity of ASEAN, highlighting the group's ongoing commitment to tackling regional challenges.
"Two decades ago, in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, our nations united to aid millions affected by one of history's most devastating disasters. We pay tribute to those who were lost and acknowledge the resilience of the survivors," the statement articulated.
The declaration acknowledged that over 40,000 emergency responders from the four nations collaborated to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief, a commitment that remains central to the Quad's mission.
"Our foundational pledge to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is steadfast. We continue to collaborate closely to prepare for and respond effectively to disasters throughout the region," the statement elaborated.
The Quad has expanded its focus over the years, addressing intricate regional and global issues. Recent endeavors include tackling climate change, enhancing maritime domain awareness, promoting STEM education, countering terrorism, and strengthening cybersecurity.
"What started as an emergency response has evolved into a robust partnership yielding positive results for the region. Our nations now work alongside partners across the Indo-Pacific to confront a wide range of challenges," added the statement.
"Since 2021, the leaders of our four nations have convened annually to advance the Quad's constructive contributions throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific," it continued.
"As four partners, we envision a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous, supported by effective regional institutions. We reaffirm our unwavering backing for ASEAN's centrality and unity, as well as the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We respect the Pacific-led regional framework, highlighted by the Pacific Islands Forum. We also maintain our steadfast support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the premier organization for the region," the statement concluded.
"The Quad is dedicated to collaborating in addressing the future needs of the region," it emphasized.
In 2024, Quad members announced various maritime security initiatives. A major highlight was the introduction of the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) to assist regional partners in monitoring and securing their waters. India is slated to host the inaugural MAITRI workshop in 2025.
Additionally, the Quad launched a pilot project for a logistics network aimed at enhancing collective airlift capabilities to support civilian responses to natural disasters more effectively. A maritime legal dialogue was also initiated to uphold the rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
The Wellington Declaration, issued following the Quad's fourth in-person summit earlier this year, expressed concerns over "recent dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain," specifically referring to China's activities in the South China Sea.
The Quad Cancer Moonshot was another significant announcement this year, initially targeting the fight against cervical cancer. India pledged $7.5 million worth of testing kits and technical assistance, with other member nations contributing their own resources.
The Quad reaffirmed its unwavering support for ASEAN's central role, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association, underscoring their significance in maintaining regional stability and prosperity.
"As four partners, we envision a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous. We remain committed to addressing the future needs of the region," the statement concluded.
With a legacy of cooperation spanning 20 years, the Quad continues to play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical and economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
