Wed Sep 25 07:49:35 UTC 2024: ## US, South Korea, Japan to Formalize Trilateral Partnership
**New York, NY** – The United States, South Korea, and Japan have agreed to finalize the establishment of a trilateral cooperation secretariat, with plans for a leaders’ summit later this year, according to a U.S. State Department spokesperson. This comes as the three countries continue to strengthen their security and technological cooperation.
Meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa reaffirmed their commitment to institutionalizing the partnership. The secretariat will serve as a formal mechanism for coordination and collaboration on issues ranging from security to technology.
“This step will help institutionalize this crucial partnership into the future,” said Matthew Miller, a U.S. State Department spokesperson.
The ministers also expressed concern about the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which they believe threatens regional stability. They stressed the need for continued coordination to respond to any provocations from North Korea and to enforce U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The three ministers also addressed the broader regional security landscape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the Taiwan Strait.
“The security environment surrounding us is becoming increasingly severe,” Kamikawa said, highlighting the importance of trilateral security cooperation in the face of global challenges.
Blinken further emphasized the enduring nature of the trilateral alliance, stating that it would remain “vital to the future of all three of our countries,” regardless of political transitions in the U.S. and Japan.
The finalized agreement is expected to be signed by the leaders of the three countries before the end of the year.
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