WASHINGTON — The leaders of the United States, Japan, and South Korea have renewed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing their collaborative efforts to disrupt North Korea's "funding of weapons of mass destruction programs."

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida celebrated the progress made in trilateral cooperation since their Camp David summit a year ago, as reported by Seoul-based Yonhap News.

The statement precedes the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise between South Korea and the US, set to begin on Monday, and underscores the leaders' commitment to advancing security and prosperity in the region.

"We stand by our commitment to consult on regional challenges, provocations, and threats affecting our collective interests and security," the statement read.

The leaders highlighted key accomplishments, such as the launch of the trilateral multi-domain exercise Freedom Edge in June and the recent signing of a Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework.

They also acknowledged the efforts of a trilateral working group in disrupting North Korea's funding of its weapons programs through cybercrime and other illicit activities.

"We are resolved to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, remain aligned in our shared vision, and stand ready to meet the world's greatest challenges," the statement concluded. — Agencies