US, South Korea, Japan Reaffirm Joint Pledge for North Korea’s Denuclearisation

A North Korean Taepodong-class missile is displayed during a military parade past Kim Il-Sung square marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean war armistice in Pyongyang on July 27, 2013. North Korea mounted its largest ever military parade on July 27 to mark the 60th anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, displaying its long-range missiles at a ceremony presided over by leader Kim Jong-Un. AFP PHOTO / Ed Jones (Photo credit should read Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images)

The United States, Japan, and South Korea have reiterated their firm commitment to pursuing the complete denuclearisation of North Korea, according to a joint statement released on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The announcement followed a meeting between newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, South Korean Foreign Minister Choe Tae-yul, and Japan’s top diplomat Takeshi Iwaya on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

“The Secretary and Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs),” the statement read.

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US, South Korea, Japan Reaffirm Joint Pledge for North Korea’s Denuclearization
North Korea released a photograph of the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, centre, inspecting a hydrogen bomb that could be fitted atop a long-range missile. Korean Central News Agency

The three allies expressed serious concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes, cyber activities—including cryptocurrency thefts—and growing military cooperation with Russia. They also issued a strong warning against provocations, vowing to uphold and strengthen sanctions against Pyongyang.

Additionally, they pledged to work toward resolving longstanding humanitarian issues, including the cases of abductees, detainees, and separated families.

Despite past diplomatic overtures, North Korea has insisted its nuclear programme will continue indefinitely and recently condemned Washington’s actions as provocations.

A 2019 summit between Kim Jong Un and former US President Donald Trump collapsed over disagreements on sanctions relief. Trump has since signalled his willingness to engage with Kim again, calling him a “smart guy.”

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