The leaders of Japan, the United States and South Korea renewed their resolve Sunday to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, as they marked one year since their summit meeting near Washington.
Noting “the tremendous progress” in trilateral efforts, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol affirmed cooperation “is indispensable for meeting today’s challenges,” a joint statement said.
The statement came after the three leaders agreed last year on a commitment to consult with each other in swiftly coordinating their responses to “provocations” and “threats,” amid China’s increasingly assertive actions and North Korea’s escalating belligerence.
The three nations also agreed to hold a trilateral summit at least once a year. But Kishida said he will not run in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership race next month, while Biden has announced his withdrawal from the November U.S. presidential election.
The release of the latest statement is aimed at “demonstrating there is no change in the trilateral coordination even after the leaders are replaced,” a Japanese government source said.
“We are resolved to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, remain aligned in our shared vision, and stand ready to meet the world’s greatest challenges,” the statement said.
Over the past year, the leaders have demonstrated their commitment to shared objectives, including enhancing security cooperation and deepening the alignment of shared economic and technological priorities, it said, adding that they vow to seek further progress in these areas.
Trilateral achievements include jointly combatting efforts by North Korea to generate revenue for its weapons of mass destruction programs through cybercrime and other illicit means, the statement said.
The three leaders met on Aug. 18, 2023, at the U.S. presidential retreat of Camp David near Washington.
BY: The Times Union / KYODO
