Will Top Diplomats from South Korea, US, and Japan Meet for 3-Way Talks in New York This Week?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trilateral talks are crucial for regional security.
- Focus on North Korea's nuclear issues.
- Collaboration on Indo-Pacific stability is essential.
- Discussions on emerging technologies may strengthen ties.
- Leaders are committed to maintaining a strong partnership.
Seoul, Sep 22 (NationPress) The leading diplomats from South Korea, the United States, and Japan are scheduled to engage in trilateral discussions during the UN General Assembly in New York this week, according to a statement from Seoul's foreign ministry on Monday.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will be joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya for the talks planned for Monday afternoon (local time). The ministry did not disclose additional details in its communication to the press.
These three senior diplomats will be accompanying their respective heads of state -- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, US President Donald Trump, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba -- during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York.
The discussions are anticipated to underscore the shared dedication to their tripartite partnership and to enhance coordination on significant issues of mutual concern, particularly regarding North Korea's nuclear challenges.
This meeting follows indications from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Trump administration, provided that Washington relaxes its demands for Pyongyang's denuclearisation. Kim has referenced having a "good memory" of Trump, likely alluding to their past nuclear negotiations.
Kim has reiterated that his nation will not engage in discussions with South Korea and will not pursue unification with the South, despite the Lee government's ongoing initiatives.
In a recent interview with TIME magazine, Lee confirmed his strategy involving a phased approach toward an arms freeze, reduction, and denuclearisation in exchange for dialogue aimed at "partially easing or lifting sanctions," suggesting that Trump would be "aligned" with this approach.
In addition to North Korean issues, the three nations are expected to deliberate on collaborative efforts to preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, potentially addressing China's increasing assertiveness.
They may also explore avenues for practical cooperation in vital and emerging technologies, including critical minerals, supply chain stability, and artificial intelligence.
The last diplomatic discussions among these three countries took place in Malaysia alongside ASEAN-related meetings, where a South Korean vice foreign minister participated in place of Cho, who was undergoing parliamentary appointment procedures.