The United States, Japan and South Korea have signed a cooperation memorandum pledging to keep the Arctic open to peaceful commerce and free from coercion…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The United States, Japan and South Korea have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the Arctic, pledging to keep the strategically important region open to peaceful commerce and free from coercion, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced.
The three countries signed a memorandum of cooperation following a trilateral meeting between their foreign ministers on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’ gathering in Atlanta. The agreement reflects their shared interest in maintaining stability and protecting economic and strategic interests in the increasingly important Arctic region.
Speaking at the conclusion of the G20 meeting, Rubio said the three governments wanted to ensure the Arctic remained an area of peaceful relations and commercial activity rather than becoming subject to domination or coercion.
Rubio said the countries would work together to ensure that the Arctic “remains a region free of dominion or coercion and that it instead remains a place of peaceful relations and commerce”.
However, he did not provide details of specific projects, financial commitments or an implementation timetable under the memorandum. His remarks outlined the broad objectives of the agreement without specifying how the three countries would put the cooperation into practice.
The announcement came as the G20 foreign ministers discussed wider economic and strategic concerns, including energy access, critical minerals, supply chains and freedom of navigation. Rubio said the gathering also provided opportunities for bilateral and trilateral diplomatic engagements beyond the formal discussions.
Alongside the Arctic agreement, the US secretary of state addressed questions about an arrangement involving Greenland, defending it as an important measure to protect American national security interests while also safeguarding the interests of Canada and other NATO allies.
Asked about US President Donald Trump’s description of the arrangement and differing reactions in Denmark and Greenland, Rubio said he was unfamiliar with the specific comments being referenced and had not followed their coverage in Denmark.
“Suffice it to say we have a very good deal. One the president is fully advised of. He understands and is very supportive of.”
Rubio described the arrangement as an extension of longstanding American involvement in Greenland, arguing that it would prevent a potential adversary from gaining access to the territory through commercial means in ways that could threaten the interests of the countries concerned.
He said the protections were designed to remain in place regardless of whether Greenland eventually became independent or continued as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland’s geographical position was central to Trump’s interest in the territory, Rubio said, adding that its strategic importance extended beyond traditional missile defence to broader developments in the Arctic.
“It has always played a critical role in national security. It is more pronounced now, not just because of defences against missiles, but because of the Arctic.”
Rubio described the Greenland arrangement as permanent, saying its benefits would extend beyond the United States. Canada and other NATO members also had security interests in the region that would be protected through the agreement, he added.
The comments highlight the growing strategic importance of the Arctic, where questions surrounding security, access, resources and commercial activity have become increasingly prominent in international diplomacy.
Rubio also sought to underline the economic priorities of the US presidency of the G20, saying discussions in Atlanta had focused on issues that would shape the global economy over the coming decades.
Energy availability, access to critical minerals and the development of reliable supply chains were among the subjects addressed during the meeting. These issues have become increasingly important to governments seeking to strengthen economic resilience and secure supplies of essential resources.
The gathering also offered opportunities for countries to hold separate diplomatic discussions. Rubio said participating governments had used the sidelines for bilateral meetings, while Washington continued to pursue cooperation with partners on issues including maritime security and infrastructure.
The memorandum involving the United States, Japan and South Korea marks a further step in their engagement on Arctic issues. While the agreement’s practical details remain unclear, its stated objective is to support peaceful commerce and prevent coercive control of the region.
