Red Sea Crisis: Quad Nations Condemn Houthi Attacks On Vessels

Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States of America gathered in Tokyo, Japan on 29 July 2024 and condemned the ongoing attacks perpetrated by the Houthis against international and commercial vessels.

In a joint press release, Quad nations said, “We condemn the ongoing attacks perpetrated by the Houthis against international and commercial vessels transiting through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks destabilize the region, impede navigational rights and freedoms, and trade flows, and jeopardize the safety of vessels and people on board including sailors.”

The press release stated that the Quad reaffirmed its commitment, common principles, and capacities to preserve and strengthen the international order for the global good. “We discussed and deliberated on these shared challenges, and present our respective visions for stability and prosperity together with other countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, and our plans for the Quad to provide tangible benefits for the region” wrote press release.

It added that the Quad is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive and resilient, and are united in our commitment to upholding the free and open rules-based international order, human rights, rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the threat or use of force by the UN Charter.

The press release addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It underscored the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza as well as the crucial need to prevent regional escalation. Quad countries welcomed UNSC Resolution S/RES/2735 (2024) and strongly urged all parties concerned to work immediately and steadily toward the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire.

Commenting on North Korea’s recent ballistic missile test, all Quad members criticised it. They said, “We express our grave concern over North Korea’s use of proliferation linkages, malicious cyber activity and workers abroad to fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.”

The Quad nations even raised concerns about the Myanmar and people of Rakhain province. The press release noted, “We remain deeply concerned by the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, including in Rakhine. We again call for the immediate cessation of violence; the release of all those unjustly detained; safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance; resolution of the crisis through constructive and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders; and a return to the path of inclusive democracy.”

Quad nations also discussed hazards causing damage to the Pacific Ocean. They supported Papua New Guinea with relief assistance in the aftermath of the tragic landslide in May 2024, where Quad partners collectively contributed over USD 5M in humanitarian assistance, and look forward to continuing to support Papua New Guinea in its resilience efforts, noted the press release.

Members nations welcomed the finalization of the Quad Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which enable an effective, immediate and coordinated response mechanism between Quad partners.