Presidential Office: "South Korea-US-Japan Have Strengthened North Korea Response Capability... Security Front Stronger"

Direct Economic Effects Expected Including Jobs... "Synergy Through Solidarity"
Yoon Anticipates 'Korea-US-Japan' Meeting in Korea Next Year... Possibility of Holding in First Half

The Presidential Office evaluated the outcomes of the Korea-US-Japan summit on the 20th, stating, "From a security perspective, through the trilateral meeting, we have established a response structure to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, thereby strengthening security." The Presidential Office also anticipated direct economic effects among the three countries following this summit.

Spokesperson Lee Do-woon met with reporters at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon and said, "This is the first time the three countries have officially declared their mutual relations to the international community through a document, which is very meaningful." He added, "It was the first time that only the three leaders gathered separately for a summit, sending a strong message to the international community," and noted, "It is also noteworthy that the document used terms imbued with values such as principles, spirit, and commitments instead of the usual statements, declarations, or announcements."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, he emphasized, "From a security standpoint, through the Washington Declaration last April and the formation of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), we have established a basic structure to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats," and added, "Through this meeting, we are strengthening the security front we need."

On the 18th (local time), President Yoon attended a series of events at Camp David, the US presidential retreat located in Maryland near Washington DC, including the Korea-US summit, the Korea-US-Japan summit, a trilateral leaders' luncheon, the Korea-Japan summit, and a joint press conference. Notably, the three leaders adopted three documents formalizing their agreements: 'The Spirit of Camp David' (hereafter Spirit), 'Camp David Principles' (Principles), and 'Commitment to Consult' (Commitment).

The 'Spirit,' which also served as a joint statement, included comprehensive cooperation plans among Korea, the US, and Japan. The 'Principles' documented the principles to be upheld in future trilateral cooperation. First, it was agreed to hold the Korea-US-Japan summit at least once a year. Until now, the three leaders met during multilateral meetings, but starting with the first separate summit at Camp David, they plan to regularize it. Additionally, consultations among foreign ministers, defense ministers, trade and industry ministers, and national security advisors will be held at least once a year, and a finance ministers' meeting will be newly established. The spokesperson also emphasized, "It is noteworthy that the document used terms imbued with values such as principles, spirit, and commitments instead of the usual statements, declarations, or announcements."

Economic achievements from this summit were also anticipated. The spokesperson explained, "If the three countries expand technological and human exchanges in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), space, and quantum technologies, it will not only secure future growth engines but also lead to direct economic effects such as job creation." He further elaborated, "The three countries possess world-class competitiveness in advanced fields including semiconductors, secondary batteries, bio, and 5G/6G communications, covering core technologies, production capacity, and materials, parts, and equipment, so the synergy through solidarity is very significant."

Following the agreement to annualize the Korea-US-Japan summit, there is talk of holding the summit in Korea next year. After concluding the Korea-US-Japan summit at Camp David, President Yoon stated at a joint press conference, "I hope that next time, the three of us can meet again in Korea." On the morning of the 20th, immediately after returning to Korea via Seoul Airport, President Yoon also conveyed via social media, "I hope to host the next Korea-US-Japan summit in Korea with the two leaders."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.