US-Japan-South Korea agree on the need to enhance regional energy supply resilience
Washington, Sept 21 (KUNA) — The United States, Japan, and South Korea today called for strengthening regional energy supply resilience, including “increasing oil stockpiles and encouraging cooperation between producing and consuming countries.” This was stated in a joint statement issued following a meeting of the foreign ministers of the United States, Marco Rubio; Japan, Toshimitsu Motegi; and South Korea, Cho Hyun, held on the sidelines of the high-level meetings of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The three ministers emphasized in their joint statement their countries’ commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and to halting support for the generation of financial revenues for North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, while reaffirming that “the door to dialogue remains open.” They urged Pyongyang to “resume dialogue while continuing efforts aimed at enhancing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”
Regarding the enhancement of economic security, they affirmed their governments’ determination “to maintain free and transparent trade and to secure vital supply chains.” They stressed “the need to strengthen regional energy supply resilience, including increasing oil stockpiles and encouraging cooperation between producing and consuming countries.” They welcomed regional initiatives such as Japan’s “Power Asia” initiative and South Korea’s efforts to enhance energy security through regional cooperation.
They reaffirmed their commitment to “cooperatively strengthening advanced technology systems and supply chain resilience,” as well as “enhancing and protecting emerging and vital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, digital infrastructure, and biotechnology.”
On another front, they underscored their commitment to “strong security cooperation” and, on this occasion, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They reiterated their support for a “peaceful resolution of issues related to the Strait” and their opposition to “any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo.” (End) Ras R / S A M
