NHK reported that Foreign Minister Motegi announced today that a foreign ministerial between Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India will be held in Tokyo on Oct. 6. Motegi reportedly expressed hope to exchange views with his counterparts on measures to deal with COVID-19 and strengthen cooperation toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific with an eye on China’s maritime advancement at the planned ministerial as well as one-on-one meetings. Motegi reportedly said: “This foreign ministers’ meeting will be the first ministerial-level international conference to be held in Japan since the new coronavirus pandemic began. It is definitely the right time for the foreign ministers of the four like-minded nations to exchange views in person.” Concerning arrangements being made for a meeting between PM Suga and Secretary Pompeo, Motegi reportedly stressed the significance of Prime Minister Suga holding talks with the foreign ministers of the U.S., Australia, and India, which are Japan’s very important allies.