There has been an increasing recognition of the importance of promoting disaster risk reduction efforts at all levels, taking a holistic approach to disaster management through regional and international cooperation. Considering that the three countries are close neighbors separated merely by strip of waters, close cross-border and regional cooperation is essential for them to effectively respond to disasters and implement measures to reduce risks, thereby ensuring resilient societies and a safer environment in the region. Such recognition and a sense of shared responsibility was strengthened especially after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, which led to reaffirmation of Leaders’ commitment to enhancing cooperation on disaster management at the 4th Trilateral Summit held on the same year.
In this connection, the TCS seeks to establish an institutional framework for regional cooperation on disaster management by organizing platforms for policy exchanges and exercise among the relevant officials and experts of the three countries. The Trilateral Table-Top Exercise (TTX) is one of the signature projects implemented regularly with the support by relevant authorities of the three countries, which was established following the outcomes of the 2n Trilateral Heads of Government Agency Meeting on Disaster Management on October 28, 2011.