Munich: The top diplomats of South Korea, the United States, and Japan have reiterated their unwavering commitment to the "complete denuclearization" of North Korea. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, they also condemned the "systematic, widespread and gross" human rights violations in North Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting took place on the sidelines of a security forum in Munich, Germany. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya gathered for trilateral discussions. This marked the first three-way talks since Rubio's recent inauguration. The diplomats reaffirmed their nations' commitment to the global anti-Pyongyang sanctions regime and sent a stern warning against North Korean provocations.

The statement highlighted the U.S.'s "ironclad" security commitments to South Korea and Japan, backed by its military strength, including nuclear capabilities. The diplomats expressed concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, cyber activities like cryptocurrency thefts, and increasing military cooperation with Russia.

The talks come amid questions regarding the Trump administration's approach to the trilateral partnership, which has strengthened since the Camp David summit in August 2023. Following the summit, the countries enhanced cooperation by sharing North Korean missile warning data, creating the "Freedom Edge" military exercise, and setting up a trilateral secretariat.

During the discussions, the U.S. reiterated its "extended deterrence" pledge to utilize its full military capabilities, including nuclear arms, to defend its Asian allies. The diplomats also condemned North Korea's human rights abuses and committed to maintaining the international sanctions regime against the DPRK.

On economic security, the diplomats announced plans to enhance energy security through U.S. resources and strengthen cooperation, particularly in liquefied natural gas. They also agreed to collaborate on critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

The diplomats issued a message against China, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. They encouraged peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific, including the South China Sea. They reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rule of international law.