U.S., Japan and South Korea Tighten Ties at Camp David Summit

“Today, we’ve made history with the first-ever stand-alone summit between the leaders of our three countries, as well as our commitment to meet together on a leader level annually and to have all our relative cabinet member people meet on a regular basis for from this point on. Not just this year, not next year, forever. I want to recognize the important work that both of you have done and the political courage, and I mean this sincerely, the political courage that you both demonstrated to resolve difficult issues that have stood in the way for a long time of a close relationship between Japan and Korea and with the United States.” [Translator] “Camp David will be remembered as a historic place where the Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan proclaim that we will bolster the rules-based international order and play key roles to enhance regional security and prosperity based on our shared values of freedom, human rights and rule of law.” [Translator] “We will vigorously implement the concrete cooperation outlined in the Camp David statement. Together with Joe and President Yoon, we will continue to work to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the three countries.” “This summit was not about China. That was not the purpose of the meeting. But it did — China obviously came up. Not to say we don’t share concerns about the economic coercion or heightened tensions caused by China, but this summit was really about our relationship with each other. It was about a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, a region, quite frankly, that would benefit everyone living there and around the world if we get it right.”