In a recent joint statement, the leaders of the US, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region while addressing North Korea’s funding of weapons of mass destruction programs.
US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted the progress made in trilateral cooperation since their Camp David summit a year ago, according to a report by Yonhap News from Seoul.
The leaders affirm their shared vision to tackle global challenges and enhance cooperation for a stable Indo-Pacific
The statement was released just before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which is set to begin on Monday between South Korea and the US. The leaders emphasized their joint efforts to achieve shared security and prosperity goals for both the region and the world. They also reaffirmed their commitment to consult on regional issues, provocations, and threats impacting their collective interests.
The statement noted significant security achievements, including the launch of the trilateral multi-domain exercise Freedom Edge in June and the recent establishment of a new Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework. They also commended a trilateral working group for its role in disrupting North Korea’s funding of weapons programs through cybercrime and other illicit activities.
The leaders expressed their determination to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and affirmed their alignment with a shared vision to confront global challenges. They emphasized the essential nature of their cooperation for addressing current issues and ensuring a prosperous future.
