Japan, US, S.Korea discuss N.Korea nuclear issues

The top diplomats of Japan, the United States and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met on Monday in New York, where the United Nations General Assembly meetings are underway.

They reaffirmed that the three countries will continue to work together in tangible manners, as such trilateral cooperation is the key to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

They agreed to promote support for international disaster relief efforts and measures against cross-border criminal activities in Southeast Asia.

The three also reaffirmed that they will cooperate in accelerating a plan to deploy the next-generation nuclear reactor, or small modular reactor, to the Indo-Pacific and other regions.

Regarding North Korea, the officials reaffirmed their commitment to immediate resolution of abduction issues, as well as the country's complete denuclearization in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

They also reaffirmed trilateral cooperation in addressing North Korea's cyber-related activities that generate revenue for the country's nuclear and ballistic missile development.

Being mindful of China, the three discussed how to respond to the situation in the region where attempts are seen to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Separately, Motegi and Rubio exchanged views on issues involving China, and agreed to closely cooperate to strengthen the Japan-US alliance.