TCS

On May 14, 2025, Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) convened with Director-General PARK Young-seo of the International Administrative Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) of the Republic of Korea. The meeting focused on enhancing trilateral collaboration in disaster management among China, Japan, and South Korea. A central topic of discussion was the forthcoming 8th Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management, scheduled to be hosted by China. This biennial meeting serves as a platform for the three nations to share best practices, coordinate policies, and strengthen joint responses to natural disasters. The previous meeting was held virtually in July 2022.SG LEE also provided an overview of the upcoming Inter-Regional Dialogue on Disaster Risk Reduction, set to take place from July 7 to 9, 2025, in Kobe, Japan. The dialogue is part of TCS's ongoing efforts to foster regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction.Both parties agreed to continue working closely to ensure the success of the upcoming ministerial meeting and the Inter-Regional Dialogue.▲SG LEE Hee-sup with Director-General PARK Young-seo

On May 14, 2025, Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) delivered a special lecture titled “Joining Hands to Meet Challenges: A Prime Time for Trilateral Cooperation” at Sogang University. The lecture covered a broad spectrum of topics, including the work environment at the TCS, the unique aspects of working in an international organization, key qualities required of staff, and practical guidance on gaining relevant work experience and enhancing language skills. Participating students were deeply engaged throughout the session and expressed that they found the lecture highly inspiring and informative. On the sidelines of the lecture, YAN Liang held a meeting with Professor KIM Hyun-Dong, Dean of the Graduate School of International Studies at Sogang University, to discuss potential avenues for academic collaboration and student program between the university and the TCS.

On May 14, 2025, Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) visited Sejong City and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mayor CHOI Min-ho. This marks the first time that TCS has signed a comprehensive MoU with a local government in the Republic of Korea.Under this MoU, TCS and Sejong City agreed to jointly host the 2026 Young Ambassador Program (YAP) and also connect TCS-led inter-city cooperation programs. The partnership aims to create new opportunities for youth and strengthen cultural ties among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.Mayor CHOI stated, “This MoU opens the door for young people to experience a broader world. Through collaboration with TCS, Sejong City will continue to provide diverse programs for youth and contribute to trilateral cooperation.”Secretary-General LEE commented, “It is meaningful that Sejong City, as Korea’s administrative capital, will not only welcome overseas students for educational exchange but also co-host the trilateral Young Ambassador Program next year with TCS. Together, let us build a model of international cooperation that promotes youth exchange and fosters mutual understanding among future generations.”This partnership reflects the shared commitment of TCS and Sejong City to supporting youth engagement and enhancing trilateral friendship through meaningful cultural and educational initiatives.▲MoU Signing between TCS and Sejong City▲Group Photo▲Secretary-General LEE meeting with Sejong City Mayor CHOI Min-ho

On May 13, 2025, the Graduate School of International Studies at Pusan National University (PNU) hosted Deputy Secretary-General YAN Liang of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) for a special lecture titled “Trilateral Cooperation and the Future.” During his lecture, YAN Liang provided a comprehensive overview of the history and development of trilateral cooperation. The mission and core activities of the TCS were also introduced, with particular emphasis on youth exchange programs. Students actively participated in the Q&A session, demonstrating strong interest in regional dynamics. On the sidelines of the lecture, YAN Liang met with Professor LEE Haejune, Dean of Academic Affairs at PNU, to explore potential avenues for academic cooperation and student exchange between the university and the TCS.