ARKANSAS, Nov 19 (Future Headlines)- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during a meeting at Stanford University, announced their joint commitment to collaborate in the hydrogen sector. This collaboration aims to reduce costs and establish international rules in the hydrogen industry. The discussion highlighted the potential synergy between South Korea’s widespread adoption of hydrogen cars and Japan’s significant number of hydrogen-related patents.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, where both leaders were in attendance. The hydrogen sector cooperation discussion followed their bilateral meeting, marking the seventh such summit this year. The ongoing efforts to improve and advance their relationship underscore the desire to overcome historical disputes and strengthen ties.

The collaboration between South Korea and Japan in the hydrogen sector is particularly significant given the region’s push for clean energy solutions. South Korea has embraced hydrogen cars as part of its sustainable transportation strategy, while Japan’s expertise in hydrogen-related technologies is reflected in its substantial number of patents in the field.

President Yoon Suk Yeol recalled the trilateral summit at Camp David in August, where he, Prime Minister Kishida, and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to develop the trilateral partnership into a comprehensive cooperation mechanism. The leaders emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including advanced technology, artificial intelligence (AI), digital governance, carbon reduction, and the transition to clean energy.

The cooperation between South Korea and Japan extends beyond the hydrogen sector, encompassing a broader vision for collaboration in technology, carbon reduction, and the adoption of clean energy solutions. Advanced technology, AI, and digital governance are identified as key areas where the three countries—South Korea, Japan, and the United States—can enhance their partnership.

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Kishida participated in a moderated discussion with former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at Stanford University. This engagement allowed the leaders to share their perspectives on regional cooperation and global challenges. The trilateral cooperation aims to address pressing issues and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.

As part of their commitment to fostering collaboration, the leaders met with South Korean and Japanese startup representatives in Silicon Valley. This engagement reflects a broader effort to promote innovation and entrepreneurial exchanges between the two countries. South Korea’s plan to establish a Korea Startup Center in Tokyo early next year further underscores the commitment to creating a hub for startup interactions and knowledge-sharing.

The collaboration between South Korea and Japan in the hydrogen sector signifies a step toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. As both countries actively seek to overcome historical tensions and build a comprehensive cooperation mechanism, the focus on technology, clean energy, and startup exchanges emerges as a key driver for future collaboration. The commitment to international rules in the hydrogen sector aligns with broader efforts to address global challenges and work toward a more interconnected and innovative future.

Reporting by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White