U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the recent agreement between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan to resolve a wartime dispute:

“The agreement between the ROK and Japan is an important step that promises far-reaching benefits for the bilateral partnership, and trilateral cooperation with the United States. I applaud President Yoon for his political courage and commitment to a forward-looking ROK-Japan partnership. This is precisely the kind of leadership we need in today’s intensifying security environment.

“I am also grateful to Prime Minister Kishida and his government for everything they have done to make this agreement possible. On top of its recent announcements on Japan’s defense posture, Japan is once again showing itself to be an indispensable ally in the Indo-Pacific.

“To the Korean and Japanese people, the United States recognizes the difficulties involved in dealing with these historical issues. We admire your commitment to moving forward despite those difficulties. Your countries are both vital partners, and the United States supports you.”

Original source can be found here.