The annual meeting of the five Attorneys General from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States was held this year by video conference on Dec. 2 and 3, 2021.
Though it is the second time the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the Quintet from meeting in person, the Attorneys General were able to meet virtually to progress this important work.
The meeting, chaired by the Hon. David Parker from New Zealand, brought together the Hon. Michaelia Cash (Australia), the Hon. David Lametti (Canada), the Hon. Suella Braverman QC MP (England and Wales) and the Hon. Merrick Garland (the United States of America) to discuss and share information about complex legal issues, in which they have a mutual interest.
“The opportunities for cooperation among our five countries are both wide-ranging and vital to our success in promoting access to justice for all in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; protecting our democratic institutions; and countering the threat of terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The United States Department of Justice thanks New Zealand for bringing us together virtually this year, and we look forward to hosting next year’s Quintet.”
“Working closely with our international partners is essential as we face common challenges and strive to keep our citizens safe,” said New Zealand Attorney General David Parker.
“Collaboration among Quintet partners is essential to addressing shared legal challenges in our respective justice systems,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti. “This year’s discussions included valuable exchanges on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of upholding the rule of law and the promotion of access to justice for all.”
“It’s been an honor to meet my Quintet counterparts and discuss our shared goals to protect the safety of our citizens,” said Attorney General for England and Wales Suella Braverman. “We stand together in the face of challenges like the pandemic, terrorism and foreign interference, bound by a mutual respect for the rule of law.”
“It is invaluable to have the opportunity to discuss priorities such as enhancing our approach to foreign influence and foreign interference and collaborating further to strengthen our frameworks across borders,” said Australia Attorney General Michaelia Cash.
The Attorneys General discussed their respective institutions’ responses to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, ways to enhance cooperation to address foreign influence and foreign interference in democratic processes, and the approaches each country takes in seeking to prevent terrorist acts.
The Quintet Communiqué jointly issued at the conclusion of the meeting is available here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1454381/download