Washington, Feb 13 (Agency) US, Japan, S Korea condemned the recent ballistic missile launched by North Korea and were committed to achieve complete denuclearisation and lasting peace in the Korean Peninsula, a statement said. As per the statement, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yongthey committed to hold trilateral cooperation to achieve complete denuclearisation.
They called on North Korea to cease its unlawful activities and instead engage in dialogue, the statement further said. The Secretary and Foreign Ministers emphasised they held no hostile intent towards the DPRK and underscored continued openness to meeting the DPRK without preconditions. They desired for a peaceful and stable region that would allow all countries to reach their potential. They highlighted the importance of collaboration to strengthen information and cyber security, and also to improve economic security, including by promoting innovation of critical and emerging technologies based on democratic values and respect for universal human rights.
The Secretary and Foreign Ministers also discussed the Russian military build-up along Ukraine’s borders and shared unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They committed to work closely together to deter further Russian escalation. They also discussed climate crisis, critical supply chains, gender equality and empowerment, development finance and global health security including efforts to end the Covid-19 pandemic. US, Japan and South Korea pledged to continue the trilateral consultations, the statement added.