LOC21:37
18:37 GMT
WASHINGTON, Nov 12 (KUNA) -- Senior US, Australia, India and Japan officials held a meeting Sunday to discuss North Korea's nuclear program and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region, the State department confirmed.
US State Department officials met with senior officials from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday in Manila, stated a statement by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert.
They get together to discuss "their shared vision for increased prosperity and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region," she clarified.
Nauert unveiled that the talks examined common goals and common challenges in the region such as upholding the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, including freedom of navigation and overflight, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
They also touched upon "increasing connectivity consistent with international law and standards, based on prudent financing; coordinating on counterterrorism and maritime security efforts in the Indo-Pacific; and further cooperating to curtail the North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and unlawful acts," she noted.
During his 13-day visit to Asia, US President Trump reiterated his country's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
In response, the State Department said the US and foreign officials "committed to deepening cooperation, which rests on a foundation of shared democratic values and principles, and to continue discussions to further strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region." (end)
hy.ibi