"Biden and Kishida Confirm 'Trilateral and US-Japan Cooperation on North Korea's Nuclear and Missile Issues'"

President Joe Biden of the United States (left) and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] NHK reported that U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed their cooperation policy regarding North Korea's nuclear and missile threats during a summit held in Tokyo, Japan, on the 23rd.

According to the report, Prime Minister Kishida stated at a joint press conference after the summit, "We shared serious concerns about nuclear and missile issues, including the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)," and confirmed that cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, as well as between the U.S. and Japan, will be strengthened.

At the time of the joint press conference, the White House also confirmed this information. According to the White House, the U.S. and Japanese leaders pledged to closely cooperate to address security challenges such as North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and the increasing coercive actions by China that violate international law.

They also agreed to cooperate on new challenges including advanced technology, supply chains, and clean energy. The White House added that President Biden praised Prime Minister Kishida's determination to enhance Japan's defense capabilities and Japan's leadership shown in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Regarding the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I once again requested full understanding and cooperation for an immediate resolution and received strong support from President Biden."

This was the first face-to-face summit between President Biden, who is visiting Japan for the first time since taking office, and Prime Minister Kishida, who took office in October last year. The two leaders held a meeting for about 30 minutes from 11 a.m. with only interpreters present, followed by talks with key officials.