▲ This photo, taken on June 16, 2024, shows Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) speaking during an interview with Yonhap News Agency at his office at the Capitol in Washington. (Yonhap)

House-trilateral cooperation

House passes bill aimed at establishing inter-parliamentary dialogue among S. Korea, U.S., Japan

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, June 9 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill aimed at establishing a formal inter-parliamentary dialogue among South Korea, the United States and Japan to advance their cooperation on security, economic and other priorities, a congressman's office said Tuesday.

The House approved the U.S.-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act on Monday, according to the office of Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), ranking member of the subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific under the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Bera introduced the bill last May.

"Diplomacy is key to peace. The United States, Japan, and South Korea are stronger when we work together to advance our shared interests and confront common challenges," Bera was quoted as saying in a press release.

"This legislation helps ensure trilateral cooperation endures for the long term by strengthening engagement between our legislatures and reaffirming America's commitment to two of our closest allies in the Indo-Pacific," he added.

The bill seeks to create a formal mechanism for lawmakers from the three countries to meet regularly and coordinate on issues including defense, economic security, public health and emerging technologies, according to Bera's office.

It also establishes a bipartisan and bicameral congressional delegation to participate in these discussions, helping ensure consistent and sustained congressional engagement.

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