Quad Foreign Ministers Call For Restoration Of Democracy In Myanmar

Ahead of the leaders' Summit, 'QUAD' Foreign ministers meeting urged for an early restoration of democracy in trouble-torn Myanmar. Ahead of the leaders' Summit, 'QUAD'  Foreign ministers meeting urged for an early restoration of democracy in trouble-torn Myanmar. 

The joint statement issued said the impact of the conflict in Myanmar is affecting India and Bangladesh without mentioning the names of the countries. 

The joint statement came after talks between the 'Quad' countries in Tokyo, attended by Foreign Minister of Australia Penny Wong, Foreign Minister of Japan Ms Yoko Kamikawa, Secretary of state Antony Blinken and Dr Subrahmanyam Jayshankar of India.

The statement reads, "We remain deeply concerned by the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including in Rakhine. Ongoing conflict and instability have serious implications for regional peace and security. We again call for the immediate cessation of violence; the release of all those unjustly detained; safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance; resolution of the crisis through constructive and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders; and a return to the path of inclusive democracy. “

It also said, "We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN leadership in seeking a resolution to the crisis, including through the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, and the constructive efforts of the ASEAN Chair and ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar. We call on all parties to fully implement the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. We are also concerned about the impact that the situation in Myanmar has on neighbouring countries that are witnessing increases in transnational crime such as cybercrime, the illegal drug trade and human trafficking. We restate our appeal to all States to prevent the flow of arms and dual-use material, including jet fuel. We remain resolute in our support for the people of Myanmar and commit to continuing to work with all stakeholders in a pragmatic and constructive way, to find a durable and sustainable solution to the crisis in a process which is led by the people of Myanmar."

In the joint statement South Asia figured in two times. It said, "We reaffirm our commitment to improving the region’s connectivity through the development of resilient infrastructure and welcome progress under the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience, including the establishment of the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre in Australia and training of over 1,000 telecom officials and executives in the region under the United States CABLES program. We also applaud the expansion of Quad Infrastructure Fellowships to more than 2,200 for project developers and managers in the Indo-Pacific including South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands, up from the initial 1,800 Infrastructure Fellowships announced at the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit. Quad partners have provided 720 Fellowships since this initiative was launched at the Summit."

In another paragraph, it said, "We discussed and deliberated on these shared challenges, and presented our respective visions for stability and prosperity together with other countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, and our plans for the Quad to provide tangible benefits for the region."

The statement clearly states about curbing the influence of China in the Indo-pacific region and beyond.

The statement also said India will host the next summit of Quad in later part of 2024 where all the heads of state and Government will be present.