Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was part of the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. The focus was on strengthening the trilateral partnership between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
The officials highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed their commitment to defense, deterrence, and denuclearization efforts concerning North Korea. Discussions included enhancing economic cooperation on energy, digital infrastructure, shipbuilding, and securing critical technologies and supply chains.
The Secretary, along with his counterparts from Japan and South Korea, expressed support for further institutionalizing trilateral collaboration to promote global peace and security. They committed to continuing these meetings at various levels.