"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Summit Meeting and Other Matters

[Place]
[Date] September 25, 2021
[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
[Notes] Provisional translation
[Full text]

(On the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Summit Meeting)

At the meeting, we had a candid exchange of views on important issues faced by the Indo-Pacific region, such as the COVID-19, climate change, emerging technologies and regional situations. In the discussion, I gave a clear presentation of Japan's positions on those issues. The four nations are engaged in vaccine initiatives on an unparalleled scale. We agreed to promote cooperation in infrastructure, space, clean energy, people-to-people exchange, among others.

We also agreed to hold the summit meetings every year. The initiative that Japan has promoted to bring together Japan, the United States, Australia and India has now completely taken root. I believe that the meeting was extremely fruitful toward further progress in cooperation for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” for the four nations.

(On the review of this past year's diplomacy and the handover to the next Prime Minister)　

As the world faces issues such as the COVID-19, climate change and competition with authoritarianism, I have done my utmost to protect Japan's national interests and contribute to the peace and security of the world.

I have placed particular emphasis on the Japan-U.S. Alliance, which is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and security. Other areas of focus have been the promotion of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and proactive initiatives based on multilateralism. I believe this has allowed Japan and the United States to further strengthen the alliance based on a relationship of trust with President Biden, further cementing the bond between our two nations.　

In addition, toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” that Japan has been promoting, I believe that we have been able to deepen cooperation not only with the United States, Australia and India, but also with other like-minded countries such as those belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Europe.

I believe that I have also taken a leading role in multilateral efforts, such as holding the COVAX AMC Summit to call for solidarity from the international community.

I hope that the next Prime Minister will proactively pursue a diplomacy that contributes to the international peace and security, based on a solid strategy. Thank you.