Quad Ministers Condemn Yemen's Houthi Attacks; Emphasize UN Charter and SDG Commitment

Quad Foreign Ministers condemn Houthi attacks on vessels in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, emphasizing regional security, UN principles, and comprehensive UN reforms. The ministers also highlighted commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the empowerment of women and girls.

Quad Foreign Ministers on Monday condemned attacks by Yemen's Houthis on international and commercial vessels transiting through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The joint statement followed talks among ministers from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India, including Australia's Penny Wong, India's S. Jaishankar, Japan's Yoko Kamikawa, and the U.S.'s Antony Blinken.

'We condemn the ongoing attacks perpetrated by the Houthis against international and commercial vessels transiting through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,' the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting Joint Statement declared. 'These attacks destabilize the region, impede navigational rights and freedoms, disrupt trade flows, and endanger the safety of those onboard,' it added.

Furthermore, the statement looked forward to India hosting the next Quad Leaders' Summit later this year. 'We anticipate India hosting the next Quad Leaders' Summit later this year, and the U.S. hosting the next Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in 2025,' the statement announced.

The joint statement emphasized the importance of respecting all states' territorial integrity and political independence while urging countries to refrain from using force or threats. 'We reiterate our commitment to the UN Charter and call for all countries to uphold its purposes and principles, including refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state,' the statement said.

The ministers reiterated their commitment to the rule of law and international law as foundations for global peace, stability, and prosperity. They also pledged to strengthen and reform the multilateral system, particularly the UN, to restore trust in its institutions. Reforms would include expanding the UN Security Council's permanent and non-permanent seats, especially for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

'We commit to active and constructive engagement in the intergovernmental negotiations process on Security Council reforms and call for early reforms to make the Council more representative, transparent, effective, and credible,' the statement noted. 'We also call for greater permanent representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean in a reformed Security Council.'

The statement reaffirmed the Quad's commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 'We remain steadfast in our commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' it said. 'We recognize the 2030 Agenda's aim to realize human rights for all and achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.'

The Quad underscored its dedication to creating a safe and secure world where human rights are protected, based on the principle of 'Leave no one behind.' The Quad commitment was highlighted in their efforts to meet current global challenges and deliver tangible benefits to regional and international partners.

(With inputs from agencies.)