U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday marked the 70th anniversary of Japan's formal surrender that ended World War II with a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the war and a commitment to deepen the partnership with the former foe.

"We remember those who endured unimaginable suffering as prisoners of war, and we honor the ultimate sacrifice of more than 100,000 U.S. service members who laid down their lives in the Pacific theater to defend our nation and advance the cause of freedom," Obama said in a statement.

"To them, and to the 16 million Americans who served in the Second World War -- those who are no longer with us and our proud veterans today -- our debt of gratitude can never be repaid. We live in freedom because of their brave service," he said.

Obama also said that the war's end was the beginning of a new era in the U.S. relationship with Japan, saying the relationship stands as a "model of the power of reconciliation."

"Seventy years ago this partnership was unimaginable. Today it is a fitting reflection of our shared interests, capabilities, and values, and I am confident that it will continue to deepen in the decades to come," he said.

Secretary of State John Kerry issued a similar statement in which he said the U.S. has been a proud partner in the Asia-Pacific region's astonishing rise from the devastation of war while lauding the transformation of the relationship with Japan. (Yonhap)