Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently participated in a bipartisan congressional delegation visit to Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.). The visit focused on enhancing trilateral cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea in areas of security and economic collaboration. The delegation engaged in high-level discussions with top officials, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and ROK President Suk-yeol Yoon, as well as business leaders from both nations.
A key highlight of the visit was the Second Annual Trilateral Executive Dialogue in Seoul, where government and business leaders from the three nations convened to discuss strategic issues. Senator Britt emphasized the importance of these alliances, particularly in light of growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Strengthening our trilateral ties with Japan and the Republic of Korea is of vital strategic importance to Alabama and the United States,” Senator Britt remarked. “These relationships are critical for Alabama’s 21st-century economy and for America’s national security, especially given the growing aggression of the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific.”
Japan and South Korea have significant economic ties to Alabama, being among the state’s top export destinations. Major Japanese and Korean corporations, including Hyundai and Samsung, have made substantial investments in Alabama, contributing to the state’s industrial and economic growth.
The delegation’s meetings in Tokyo included discussions with Prime Minister Kishida, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa, Minister of Defense Minoru Kihara, and key lawmakers. In Seoul, the group met with President Yoon and senior officials, including the ROK Ministers of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, and top business executives.
Joining Senator Britt on the delegation were Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.). The bipartisan effort underscores the broad U.S. commitment to strengthening relationships in the Indo-Pacific amid rising geopolitical challenges.
