India and Australia issue joint statement; Recommit to work effectively through diplomacy, defence and development activities
Nov 22, 2023India and Australia have recommitted themselves to empowering the Quad as a partnership for regional and global good. A joint statement issued after the Second India-Australia 2 plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue held in New Delhi on Monday said that both sides committed to continuing to work effectively through diplomacy, defence, and development activities. The two sides also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the international movement of terrorists, and agreed to work together to take concerted action.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held the second India-Australia 2 plus 2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue with their Australian counterparts Richard Marles and Penny Wong. The Indian side appreciated Australia’s strong support for India’s G20 Presidency.
The Joint statement added that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work together on global issues and shared priorities in areas such as maritime safety and security, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the blue economy, and clean energy. The Ministers discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Ukraine and expressed deep concern over the war in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences. They reiterated their support for a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that upholds all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter.
Noting horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, both sides reaffirmed that they stand with Israel against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. They called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. The Ministers committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region on humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The Ministers also expressed their deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and its impacts on regional security and stability. They called for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of all those arbitrarily detained, safe access to humanitarian assistance, and resolution of the crisis through dialogue and transition towards federal democracy.
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