The US Senate has passed a resolution reaffirming the importance of an intelligence-sharing pact between Japan and South Korea.
The Senate unanimously passed the resolution on Thursday. The General Security of Military Information Agreement, known as GSOMIA, is due to expire on Saturday.
The resolution states that the pact is essential in protecting the interests of the United States and its allies. It said the expiration of the agreement could have an adverse impact on US national security.
The resolution, which is not legally binding, aims to promote dialogue between Seoul and Tokyo to overcome their differences.
Chairman James Risch of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations said the US alliance with Japan and South Korea is indispensable to contending with shared threats from North Korea, China and Russia. He said he urges South Korea to continue its participation in the agreement.
In August, South Korea notified Japan of its intention to terminate the pact.
NHK
