- “12th Trilateral Youth Camp” Takes Place -

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the “12th Trilateral Youth Camp” in Seoul and Gangneung from May 19 to 22. A total of 45 college students from Korea, Japan and China participated in the camp. After attending the opening ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 19, the students took part in various programs over four days in Seoul and Gangneung, including presentations on ideas for trilateral cooperation, the drafting of a trilateral youth declaration, dialogue with diplomats, visits to cultural and  industrial sites, and the closing ceremony.

2. In his opening remarks, Kim Sang-hoon, Director-General for Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his hope that, just as trilateral cooperation began with a breakfast meeting among the leaders of the three countries in 1999, the participants would form mutual bonds and friendship through their shared time and experiences during the camp. In his congratulatory remarks, Lee Hee-sup, Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), emphasized that youth exchanges among the three countries serve as a crucial foundation for the future development of trilateral cooperation, and wished that the participants would have enriching and meaningful experiences during the camp.

3. In the trilateral youth declaration released at the closing ceremony on May 22, the participants expressed their commitment to building a foundation for a shared growth through continued communication and exchanges among the youths of the three countries. They also pledged to make responsible choices and take actions to enhance trilateral cooperation, laying the groundwork for its future that benefits the next generation.

4. Participants from Korea, Japan and China shared that the camp served as a valuable opportunity to deepen mutual understanding among them. They noted that programs such as dialogue with diplomats, cultural and industrial visits, and discussions enabled them to identify a potential for trilateral cooperation and form a sense of empathy that transcends linguistic and cultural differences. They also expressed hope that youth exchange programs like the Youth Camp would continue and help deepen trust and friendship among the three countries’ youths.

5. First held in 2012 and marking its twelfth this year, the Trilateral Youth Camp has served as a meaningful platform for youths of the three countries to broaden their understanding of trilateral cooperation and promote mutual exchanges and communication. Going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to provide opportunities for youths from the three countries to freely communicate and foster friendship, thereby solidifying the foundation for future-oriented trilateral cooperation.