Countries & Regions
Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On September 22, commencing at 5:40 p.m. (local time, 6:40 a.m. on September 23 Japan time) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visiting the United States (New York) to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the Honorable Antony BLINKEN, Secretary of State of the United States, and His Excellency Mr. CHUNG Eui-yong, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. North Korea
- (1) At the meeting, after the welcome greeting of Secretary Blinken, North Korea was brought up as the first agenda item.
- (2) Foreign Minister Motegi stated that North Korea’s recent nuclear and missile activities, including the latest ballistic missile launches, pose a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community.
- (3) Furthermore, Foreign Minister Motegi stated that Japan will further advance collaboration with the United States and the ROK towards the complete denuclearization of North Korea in terms of reinforcing diplomatic efforts, fully implementing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and strengthening regional deterrence. The three Ministers shared such recognition.
- (4) Foreign Minister Motegi also asked for continued understanding and cooperation from the two Ministers on the abductions issue, and obtained their support.
2. Regional situations and global cooperation
The three Ministers also exchanged views on regional situations including the situation in Myanmar and China’s recent actions, and efforts to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. In addition, they discussed global issues such as climate change, and concurred that Japan, the United States and the ROK will further deepen their collaboration and cooperation.
3. Japan-U.S.-ROK future cooperation
Foreign Minister Motegi stated that the collaboration among Japan, the United States, and the ROK is essential for regional peace and stability beyond issues related to North Korea and that he would like to continue to develop the collaboration among the three countries. The three Ministers shared such recognition.