South Korea, Japan, and U.S. Reaffirm Trilateral Cooperation

The leaders of South Korea, Japan, and the United States released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to tackle regional challenges. The statement marks the anniversary of their summit at Camp David and emphasizes continued cooperation. Future meetings are planned despite upcoming leadership changes.

The leaders of South Korea, Japan, and the United States issued a joint statement on Sunday to mark the anniversary of their summit at Camp David, reaffirming their commitment to tackle regional challenges, South Korea's presidential office announced.

The principles of trilateral cooperation established during the summit last year remain a guiding framework for the three nations, according to the statement from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's office. 'We stand by our commitment to consult on regional challenges, provocations, and threats affecting our collective interests and security,' it read.

U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Yoon met on August 18 last year, agreeing to deepen both military and economic cooperation to counter China's influence and address North Korea's security threats. South Korean media reported that the leaders plan to meet again this year, although dates remain uncertain due to Kishida's announced resignation.

A senior South Korean official revealed that there would be two or three opportunities for the three leaders to convene, with discussions still in early planning stages. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the spirit of cooperation will persist even after Biden and Kishida leave office.

(With inputs from agencies.)