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Key Points

The US, Japan, and South Korea held their first high-level talks since South Korea's new government took office. They reaffirmed their commitment to North Korea's complete denuclearization while strengthening trilateral security cooperation. Discussions also covered emerging tech collaboration and stabilizing critical supply chains. The meeting signals continuity in regional security partnerships under Seoul's new leadership.

Key Points: US Japan South Korea Reaffirm North Korea Denuclearization Pledge

  • First high-level trilateral talks under South Korea's new government
  • Strengthened deterrence against North Korea's nuclear threats
  • Expanded cooperation in AI and critical minerals
  • Focus on Indo-Pacific stability and inter-Korean dialogue
3 min read

South Korea, US, Japan reaffirm 'resolute' commitment to complete denuclearization of North Korea (Lead)

Top diplomats from the US, Japan, and South Korea vow unwavering commitment to denuclearizing North Korea in first trilateral talks under Lee Jae Myung.

"The three sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea - Seoul Foreign Ministry"

Kuala Lumpur, July 11

South Korea, the United States and Japan reaffirmed Friday their "resolute" commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, as they held their first high-level diplomatic talks since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government.

The 40-minute talks took place among First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, on the margins of the foreign ministers' meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

It marked the first trilateral talks among the senior diplomats of the three countries since the change of leadership in South Korea in early June. Park was attending the ASEAN forum on behalf of the foreign minister, as the appointment process is still in progress.

"The three sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and agreed to maintain a strong deterrence based on close trilateral coordination, while further enhancing security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan," Seoul's foreign ministry said in a press release.

Park also explained South Korea's efforts to ease inter-Korean tensions and resume dialogue with the North, calling for close cooperation with the US and Japan to this end.

Since taking office, Lee has called for keeping channels with the North open to pursue dialogue, while maintaining strong deterrence against the North's nuclear and missile threats through the alliance with the US, Yonhap news agency reported.

Park told Rubio and Iwaya that holding the three-way talks reflects Seoul's commitment to further advancing trilateral partnership with the US and Japan under the Lee government's "pragmatic" and "national interest-oriented" diplomacy.

Park also expressed hope that the three countries will "continue to keep a united front and achieve tangible and substantive outcomes" through their partnership.

The three sides agreed to work together to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Friday's talks also included discussions on ways to boost cooperation in areas such as energy and shipbuilding - sectors cited by US President Donald Trump as having strong potential for collaboration with South Korea.

They also agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and work together to ensure stability in supply chains, such as for critical minerals, the ministry said.

The previous trilateral talks among the top diplomats of the three countries took place in Brussels in April on the margins of the foreign ministers' meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While denuclearization is important, I hope they don't ignore humanitarian issues in North Korea. Many innocent people are suffering there. The world needs balanced approach - strong on security but compassionate towards civilians.
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Aditya G
Interesting development! The mention of AI and supply chain cooperation shows how geopolitics is changing. India should take notes - we need to be part of these tech alliances to stay competitive. Make in India should align with such global partnerships.
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Sarah B
As an expat in India, I see parallels with our nuclear situation with Pakistan. Dialogue is good but strong deterrence is equally important. Hope South Korea learns from India's balanced approach in dealing with difficult neighbors.
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Karthik V
The ASEAN angle is crucial here. India should take more active role in ASEAN forums too. Our Act East policy needs more substance like this trilateral cooperation. Modi government should focus more on such strategic partnerships.
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Nisha Z
While the intentions are good, I'm skeptical about actual results. North Korea has been playing this game for decades. Maybe they need to involve China more directly in these talks for any real progress. Just my thoughts!

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