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On March 12, 2021, the Prime Minister attended the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Leaders’ Video Conference at the Prime Minister’s Office. After the conference, Joint Statement (English /Japanese ) and Factsheet (English /Japanese ) were released.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“Joe, Mr. Modi, and ScoMo: It is a great honor to materialize the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. leaders’ summit with all of you — working together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Starting with the response to the tsunami disaster that we just saw on the video, the Quad four countries transformed into a forum for diplomatic dialogue in 2007. After overcoming some difficult stages, we gained a fresh momentum from around 2017. In October, last year, we reached the stage of holding the foreign ministers’ meeting here in Tokyo. Less than half a year since then, we are now holding this first leaders’ summit and I feel deeply emotional about the development. I thank Joe for your initiative.

With the four countries working together, I wish to firmly advance our cooperation to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific and to make visible and tangible contribution to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region, including overcoming COVID-19.

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. We received massive support from the U.S., Australia, and India in our response to the disaster. Joe visited the affected areas soon after the disaster. And I thank you once again.

I look forward to a fruitful discussion today.”