Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Wong

Office of the Spokesperson

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met yesterday with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Tokyo on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit to discuss the strong U.S.-Australia Alliance and our mutual efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister reaffirmed their commitment to working together bilaterally, through the Quad, and via the AUKUS partnership as well as their continued respect for ASEAN centrality. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Wong welcomed the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which will drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth and prosperity, and they noted the imperative of addressing the climate crisis.

They also discussed collective efforts to hold the Russian Federation accountable for its unprovoked and unjust war of choice against Ukraine, as well as mutual efforts to provide security assistance to Ukraine.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister expressed their concerns around ongoing developments in the region, including the DPRK’s continued destabilizing provocations, and committed to continue working closely with partners and allies to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific and to strengthen the resiliency, economic opportunity, and freedom for the Pacific Island region.