TCS

On September 13, 2024, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup delivered a lecture under the theme of ‘Situation in the East Asia’ in the Great Transition Ara, and Current situation and Future of the Trilateral Cooperation’ at Ritsumeikan University.In his lecture, SG LEE introduced the role of TCS, and the key outcomes and significance of the 9th Trilateral Summit. He highlighted the importance of meticulous examination and analysis on the present reality so that we could advance substantive cooperation among the three countries. He also emphasized that while embracing our differences, we must pursue coexistence and harmony, continuously expanding the base of future cooperation through mutual respect and benefits. During the Q&A session, the audience actively engaged with SG LEE, enhancing the understanding of trilateral cooperation.The lecture was attended by 20 students, professors from Ritsumeikan University, and ordinary visitors.▲SG LEE delivering a lecture

7th Trilateral Director General Level Meeting on Forestry Cooperation On September 11, the 7th Trilateral Director General Level Meeting on Forestry Cooperation was held successfully in Hangzhou, China. The meeting was presided by Mr. Xia Jun, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China, and attended by Mr. NAM Song Hee, Director General of International Affairs Bureau, Korea Forest Service, and Mr. NAGASAKIYA Keita, Director General of the Private Forest Department, Forestry Agency of Japan. Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) delegation led by Deputy Secretary-General ZUSHI Shuji also attended the meeting.The meeting consisted 6 sessions, including forestry policy, land degradation and desertification control, forestry disaster reduction, timber industry development, forestry area utilization, and forestry management. The three Director Generals and other representatives exchanged information and ideas on the recent progress and future direction in forestry development and cooperation.DSG ZUSHI pointed out that forestry cooperation covers diverse perspectives, such as environment protection, disaster prevention, rurual revitalization, and beyond. He futhur introduced the progress of the Trilateral Cooperation, and several TCS flagship programs in forestry and related field.On September 12, 2024, all the delegations paid a visit to Anji County, visited bamboo industrial facilities and exchanged ideas on forestry management and rural development with local officials and entrepreneurs.▲Group Photo▲DSG ZUSHI delivering his remark

On September 12, 2024, the 15th Trilateral Culture Ministers’ Meeting (TCMM) was held in Kyoto, Japan. The meeting was chaired by H.E. MORIYAMA Masahito, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, with H.E. ZHANG Zheng, Vice Minister of the China National Tourism Administration, and H.E. YONG Ho-seong, the 1st Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) Secretary-General, LEE Hee-sup, attended the meeting as an observer. At the meeting, the three ministers discussed the following agendas: 1) Deepening cultural exchange and cooperation - Promoting future generation exchanges and interagency exchanges to strengthen friendship and solidarity, 2) Strengthening exchanges and cooperation among Culture City of East Asia (CCEA) - Focusing on sustainable urban development through culture, 3) Importance of culture as a global public good - Contributing to solving global problems through cultural initiatives, 4) Strengthening the protection and cooperation of cultural heritage areas - Addressing challenges such as climate change and natural disasters, 5) Supporting digital transformation (DX) and creative activities in culture - Enhancing the development of creators and cultural industries, 6) Improving cultural attractiveness through collaboration in other fields - Promoting cultural tourism and collaborating with sports competitions. Following the meeting, the three ministers signed the 2024 Kyoto Declaration and the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOU) for the year of cultural exchange in 2025-2026. After the signing ceremony, the declaration ceremony for CCEA2025 took place. During the CCEA declaration ceremony, Macao Special Administrative Region, Huzhou City (China), Kamakura City (Japan), and Anseong City (ROK) were designated as 2025CCEAs. The 16th TCMM will be hosted by China in 2025.▲Three Ministers at TCMM▲Signing ceremony for the 2024 Kyoto Declaration and MOU▲2025 CCEAs Declared▲H.E. MORIYAMA and TCS SG

On September 11, 2024, TCS Secretary-General LEE Hee-sup met with Mr. HARAIKAWA Naoya, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, on the occasion of the Trilateral Tourism Ministers’ Meeting. They exchanged ideas on promoting tourism cooperation among the three countries, as well as between Japan and Korea.▲SG LEE met with Mr. HARAIKAWA, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency