The Spirit of Camp David: Joint Statement of Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States

August 18, 2023:

“We, the leaders of Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and the United States, convened at Camp David to inaugurate a new era of trilateral partnership. We do so at a time of unparalleled opportunity for our countries and our citizens, and at a hinge point of history, when geopolitical competition, the climate crisis, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and nuclear provocations test us. This is a moment that requires unity and coordinated action from true partners, and it is a moment we intend to meet, together. Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States are determined to align our collective efforts because we believe our trilateral partnership advances the security and prosperity of all our people, the region, and the world. In this spirit, Pre­sident Biden commended President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida for their courageous leadership in transforming relations between Japan and the ROK. With the renewed bonds of friendship—and girded by the ironclad U.S.-Japan and U.S.-ROK alliances—each of our bilateral relationships is now stronger than ever. So too is our trilateral relationship.”

U.S. President Joe Biden (left) welcomes South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (center) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Camp David, Maryland, on Aug. 18. JIM WATSON/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Please read more at:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/08/18/the-spirit-of-camp-david-joint-statement-of-japan-the-republic-of-korea-and-the-united-states/

https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/08/18/camp-david-summit-us-japan-south-korea-china-commitment-consult-military-drills/

https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/south-korea-japan-and-wartime-shadows

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/skorea-seeks-kickstart-talks-resolve-historical-feuds-with-japan-2022-07-15/

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was honored with the Boston Global Forum World Leader for Peace and Security Award in 2015. Furthermore, the Boston Global Forum established the Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security in 2022, after Abe’s assassination. The Boston Global Forum and the Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security extend their congratulations for the historical achievement of President Joe Biden.

U.S. President Barack Obama holds a tri-lateral meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague March 25, 2014. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)