United States–Japan–Republic of Korea Trilateral National Security Advisors’ Press Statement

by Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan of the United States, National Security Secretariat Secretary General Shigeru Kitamura of Japan, and National Security Office Director Suh Hoon of the Republic of Korea (ROK) met for talks on April 2, 2021 at the United States Naval Academy to consult on the United States’ review of its North Korea policy and to discuss issues of common concern including Indo Pacific security. The national security advisors reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to working together to protect and advance their shared security goals.

The national security advisors shared their concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed their commitment to address and resolve these issues through concerted trilateral cooperation towards denuclearization. They agreed on the imperative for full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions by the international community, including North Korea, preventing proliferation, and cooperating to strengthen deterrence and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. They discussed the importance of reuniting separated Korean families, and the swift resolution of the abductions issue. The United States reaffirmed its steadfast alliance commitments to both the ROK and Japan; Japan and the ROK underscored the importance of their bilateral ties and trilateral cooperation to the security of our citizens, the region, and the world.

The national security advisors discussed the value of working together to address other leading challenges, including COVID-19, working to prevent future pandemics, combatting climate change and promoting an immediate return to democracy in Myanmar. They agreed to strengthen their ties, and to advance a common vision grounded in our shared democratic values.