Japan Plans Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meet at Trump Inauguration

Japan has coordinated with the US, Australia, and India to hold a Quad foreign ministers' meeting during the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald Trump. Japan’s Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi confirmed his attendance at the event on January 20 and emphasized the importance of the Quad partnership for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Japanese government will make a final decision on the meeting's details after reviewing US Senate procedures for the Cabinet lineup, NHK World reported. The meeting aims to strengthen cooperation between the four nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the US—in promoting stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Additionally, Trump has invited Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to attend the inauguration, underscoring the strong alliance between the US and Australia. Wong expressed her honor at the invitation, which highlights the ongoing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also set to attend the ceremony, where he will meet representatives from the incoming administration and other foreign dignitaries visiting the US.

The Quad partnership, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the US, was reaffirmed in September 2024 during the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, hosted by President Joe Biden. The diplomatic coalition seeks to ensure a stable, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.