"Four major democracies dedicated to peace in the Indo-Pacific," states Australian PM Albanese ahead of the Quad summit

Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), September 20: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday (local time) ahead of the Quadrilateral summit set to take place on September 21 in Delaware.

Albanese emphasized that the four democracies—India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—are dedicated to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He expressed eagerness to discuss with his fellow leaders, including "my friend Prime Minister Modi."

"The Quad is a significant body committed to peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific. It represents four great democracies united by our shared objectives. This summit will provide an opportunity for direct discussions with leaders such as President Biden, Prime Minister Modi from India, and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan," Albanese told reporters.

He noted that the discussions would center on three key themes: security, stability, and opportunities for supporting developing nations in the region, particularly in terms of climate action and energy security.

"We strive for peace, security, and stability. As I mentioned in my Shangri-La Dialogue address last year in Singapore, peace and security require active effort. We must work towards stability, and that will be the Quad's focus in the coming days," Albanese stated.

The summit is expected to address China's actions in the region. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby indicated that China would be a significant topic at the summit, stressing that it would be irresponsible for Quad leaders to avoid discussions about the challenges posed by China.

In response, Albanese acknowledged the strategic competition in the region due to China's rise, stating, "That is a factor. However, our focus will also be on the security and stability that democracies can provide. Regarding China, my stance is clear: we will cooperate where possible, disagree where necessary, but engage in our national interests. This approach has improved our relations with China, although differences remain, which we address in appropriate forums."

The Quad summit comes at a politically sensitive time in the U.S. with presidential elections approaching in November. When asked about potential policy changes if Donald Trump were to win, Albanese reiterated that the Quad relationship is built on common values.

"The U.S. election is a matter for its people. I am confident that our relationship with the United States is based on shared values, not just individual relationships. While my relationship with President Biden is strong, this will be our eleventh meeting, and I look forward to seeing him tomorrow," Albanese said.

He also stated that the U.S. elections are unlikely to impact U.S.-Australia relations, emphasizing that the bond between the two nations was established during World War II and remains strong.

"The relationship between our two great nations was forged in that era. We have relied on each other since then. Recently, I visited a base in Perth with a Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, showing how close our relationship is and will continue to be," he added.

The Quad consists of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, with a commitment to act as a force for global good, supporting an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is both prosperous and resilient. India is set to host the Quad Leaders' Summit in 2025.