By Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol held a summit with U.S. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. at Camp David, Maryland, on the morning of August 18, local time, to discuss ways to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and global issues.

The South Korea-U.S. summit was held in about four months following President Yoon's state visit to the U.S. in April. President Yoon said he was deeply moved to have a meeting with President Biden at Camp David, which is important in modern diplomatic history, and today's meeting shows that the Korea-U.S. alliance is leaping into a just alliance for world freedom, peace and prosperity based on universal values.

The two leaders evaluated that the "Washington Declaration" agreed in April is being faithfully implemented through the successful launch of the Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultation Group (NCG) and the deployment of U.S. strategic nuclear submarines on the Korean Peninsula. President Biden reaffirmed America's ironclad defense commitment to South Korea and its pledge to curb expansion.

The two leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to achieving sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula through North Korea's complete denuclearization and decided to strengthen cooperation to block North Korea's nuclear and missile development funding, including sending overseas workers and illegal cyber activities.

In addition, based on Korea-U.S. cooperation, the two leaders evaluated the first official meeting on North Korean human rights at the U.N. Security Council in about five years (8.17) and decided to work closely to improve the human rights situation in North Korea.

The two leaders assessed the close cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in economic security and high-tech fields, and expressed expectations that cooperation in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and bio, which were agreed in April, will accelerate. In addition, the two leaders agreed to strengthen energy cooperation such as nuclear power and solar power.

President Yoon and U.S. President Biden agreed that the Korea-U.S.-Japan summit at Camp David would open a new chapter in Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, and President Biden said President Yoon Suk-yeol's efforts to normalize Korea-U.S.-Japan relations became a cornerstone for strengthening Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation.