Nothing concrete on quadrilateral dialogue as of now: Japanese envoy

Days after Japan indicated that it would propose a top-level quadrilateral dialogue with the US, India and Australia, the Japanese envoy here has said that the matter is still "under discussion" and "nothing concrete" has emerged as of now.

Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu, however, also said Japan is keen to have partnership with countries on shared values.

"The matter on the quadrilateral dialogue is still under discussion. And, at this time frame, nothing concrete has emerged," he told on the sidelines of an event at the Japanese Embassy here last evening.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono last month had said that Tokyo favours a dialogue between Japan, the US, India and Australia to further boost strategic partnership among the four countries.

In its reaction, India had said that it was open to working with like-minded countries on issues that advance its interests and promote Indian viewpoint.

"We are not rigid in this regard," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said when asked about the Japanese foreign minister's remarks.