Have Agriculture Ministers of S. Korea, China, and Japan Resumed Their Trilateral Talks After 7 Years?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking meeting, agriculture ministers from South Korea, China, and Japan have reinitiated their trilateral talks after a seven-year hiatus. Key discussions focused on food security, sustainable farming practices, and strategies to combat animal diseases, marking a significant step towards enhanced cooperation in the agricultural sector amidst global challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Resumption of trilateral talks after seven years.
- Focus on food security and sustainable farming practices.
- Emphasis on intelligence sharing to tackle global agricultural challenges.
- Commitment to developing smart farming technologies.
- Agreement to support young farmers and transition to carbon-neutral agriculture.
Seoul, Aug 11 (NationPress) The agriculture ministers from South Korea, China, and Japan convened on Monday to address pressing topics such as food security, animal disease response, and sustainable farming, marking the end of a seven-year pause in their trilateral discussions, as stated by the agriculture ministry in Seoul.
South Korean Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung met with her Chinese and Japanese counterparts, Han Jun and Shinjiro Koizumi, respectively, in Incheon, located approximately 30 kilometers west of Seoul, to resume these important trilateral talks which were halted partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
The agenda for the meeting included six major agricultural topics: food security, animal disease response, sustainable farming, revitalization of rural areas, cooperation on the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), and international collaboration, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This meeting followed the recently concluded 2025 APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting, which took place over the weekend in Incheon.
The ministers underscored the significance of intelligence sharing and collaboration to tackle global challenges facing the agricultural sector, including climate change, the spread of infectious animal diseases, and supply chain instability, according to the ministry.
The trio also committed to working together on the development of smart farming technologies, facilitating the transition to carbon-neutral agriculture, and nurturing young farmers.
Following the meeting, Song and her counterparts released a joint statement advocating for efforts to enhance the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector and strengthen food security, while agreeing to hold regular meetings.
"In a time when the agricultural landscape is swiftly evolving due to factors such as the climate crisis and supply chain disruptions, it is highly significant for the three nations to gather and share concerns and seek solutions together," Song remarked.
She expressed hope that the dialogues initiated during this meeting would pave the way for deeper and more practical cooperation moving forward.
Song also engaged in a bilateral discussion with Koizumi to explore ways to enhance Seoul's exports of food and agricultural products to Japan and to intensify cooperation regarding animal disease response.
This bilateral engagement also marked the first of its kind in seven years.
During their talks, Song conveyed to Koizumi that collaboration between Korea and Japan could significantly elevate the competitiveness and sustainability of their agricultural sectors, given their shared systems and challenges, according to her office.
Point of View
I believe this trilateral meeting among South Korea, China, and Japan is a vital step forward in addressing global agricultural challenges. The commitment to sustainable practices and cooperation signifies a collaborative spirit essential for the future of agriculture in the face of climate change and other pressing issues.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the trilateral meeting among agriculture ministers?
The meeting aimed to discuss food security, animal disease response, sustainable farming, and other agricultural issues, marking the resumption of talks after a seven-year hiatus.
Where did the meeting take place?
The meeting took place in Incheon, South Korea, approximately 30 kilometers west of Seoul.
What are the main topics discussed during the meeting?
The ministers focused on six key topics: food security, animal disease response, sustainable farming, rural area revitalization, GIAHS cooperation, and international collaboration.
Why were the trilateral talks suspended for seven years?
The talks were suspended mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical factors.
What outcomes were expected from the meeting?
The ministers adopted a joint statement promoting sustainable growth in agriculture and agreed to hold regular meetings to enhance cooperation.
