Lima: The leaders of South Korea, the United States, and Japan have announced the creation of a secretariat to facilitate trilateral cooperation, while condemning North Korea and Russia's actions to intensify Moscow's involvement in the Ukraine conflict. This announcement came during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru. According to Yonhap News Agency, President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in a joint statement, emphasized the importance of their trilateral partnership in countering regional security threats and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific. The new secretariat aims to align the objectives and actions of the three nations to foster a stable and secure region. The leaders also criticized North Korea's deployment of troops to support Russia in Ukraine, confirming that North Korean forces have been active in combat operations in Russia's Kursk region. The statement highlighted concerns over military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly regarding munitions and missile transfers. A senior U.S. administration official noted that the leaders focused on the threats posed by North Korea's growing missile and nuclear capabilities and its cooperation with Russia. The need for close monitoring and coordinated responses to these developments was emphasized. President Yoon highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation in addressing global crises and enhancing peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. He stressed that the secretariat would serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation in various areas, including advanced technologies and economic partnerships. The meeting follows the Camp David Summit in August 2023, where the leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation. President Biden expressed pride in the progress made since that summit, highlighting initiatives in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands and efforts to counter North Korea's activities with Russia. Prime Minist er Ishiba reiterated the significance of trilateral collaboration in addressing security challenges in the region and welcomed the establishment of the secretariat to bolster their partnership. The United States has encouraged South Korea and Japan to strengthen bilateral relations amid growing threats from North Korea and other regional challenges. Despite uncertainties about future cooperation under Trump's potential second term, President Yoon expressed hope for continued bipartisan support in the U.S. for the trilateral framework.