On September 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun met with Secretary-General Lee Hee-sup, Deputy Secretary-General Zushi Shuji, and Deputy Secretary-General Yan Liang of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS). Foreign Minister Cho commended the TCS for its contributions over the past 15 years to advancing trilateral cooperation among Korea, Japan, and China, and encouraged the TCS to continue serving as a bridge for trilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of next-generation exchanges.

Foreign Minister Cho noted that the TCS has been carrying out various cooperation projects that bring tangible benefits to the people of the three countries, based on its continued collaboration with the governments of Korea, Japan, and China. He also recognized the TCS’s role in helping to keep the momentum of trilateral cooperation.

Foreign Minister Cho also emphasized that among the six key areas of cooperation agreed upon at the 9th Trilateral Summit, the role of the TCS is particularly important in the field of people-to-people exchanges, especially next-generation exchanges. He added that, as the host country of the TCS, Korea will continue to provide necessary support to ensure the smooth operation of the Secretariat.

The 7th TCS Consultative Board, including Secretary-General Lee, expressed appreciation for the Korean government’s continued interest and support for the activities of the TCS, and stated that the Secretariat will continue to contribute to strengthening the foundation of trilateral cooperation through projects in various fields, including people-to-people and cultural exchanges.