U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, Republic of Korea Ambassador Yun Duk-min, and Mayor Hitakatsu Naoki led a trilateral beach cleanup in Tsushima, Japan to raise awareness of marine plastic pollution. The cleanup, which took place on Kujika Beach, exemplifies the partnership between the United States, South Korea, and Japan and demonstrates concrete action that the three nations can take together [a8bef59a].
The U.S. and South Korean ambassadors joined forces with local residents and officials to pick up marine plastic waste. This initiative not only highlights the shared commitment to environmental stewardship but also showcases a novel approach by civil society organizations to create business value out of marine debris cleanup. The trilateral beach cleanup is part of a larger effort to support the Tsushima recycling model, which involves collecting and recycling marine plastic waste [a8bef59a].
The visit of the foreign ambassadors to Tsushima marks the first time they have visited the region. Mayor Hitakatsu Naoki welcomed their visit as an initiative that will contribute to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. The beach cleanup serves as a practical demonstration of the trilateral partnership's dedication to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable innovation [a8bef59a].
The trilateral Tsushima beach cleanup follows the recent expression of support from the United States for deepening three-way cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. Ambassador Philip Goldberg emphasized the shared values and principles of the three countries, including democratic values, the rule of law, and a free market economy. He also highlighted the importance of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework in the region [4914c82a].
The collaboration between the United States, South Korea, and Japan in the trilateral Tsushima beach cleanup demonstrates their commitment to addressing the global issue of marine plastic pollution. By working together, these countries can make a significant impact in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. This joint effort also strengthens the trilateral partnership and fosters greater cooperation in other areas of mutual interest [a8bef59a][4914c82a].