Prabowo-Lee Jae Myung Agree to Expand Comprehensive Partnership between Indonesia and South Korea

President Prabowo Subianto and the President of South Korea agreed to increase comprehensive cooperation between the two countries during a visit to the Blue House Presidential Palace (ANTARA/HO-BPMI Presidential Secretariat)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed to expand the strategic partnership between the two countries to be more comprehensive, in a bilateral meeting at the South Korean Presidential Palace Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Seoul, South Korea.

"I convey the hope to increase the special strategic partnership between Indonesia and South Korea into a more comprehensive partnership," said President Prabowo Subianto when giving an introduction to the meeting, quoted from the Presidential Press, Media, and Information Bureau (BPMI) Secretariat.

The expansion of the partnership between the two countries was marked by the signing of 10 memorandums of understanding on cooperation in various sectors. President Prabowo's first state visit to South Korea reflects the government's strong commitment to strengthening the relationship that has been closely intertwined for decades.

The President considers South Korea as a close friend of Indonesia and has a strong desire to increase the level of cooperation in various fields. Prabowo also emphasized that openness and honesty are the main keys to maintaining a constructive relationship in the midst of the dynamics of inter-state relations.

During the talks, Prabowomenyoroti the geographical and economic position of the two countries which have many similarities. Indonesia and South Korea are considered to have very strong common interests as fellow countries in the Pacific region.

"We are both countries in the Pacific. We are both trading countries. We need good relations for the economic well-being of our two countries, and maybe we have a complementary role," said President Prabowo.

The President assessed that South Korea's rapid progress in the fields of industry, science, and technology can synergize with Indonesia's strengths. Indonesia itself currently has advantages in the form of abundant natural resources (SDA) and a large market share.

Apart from economic aspects, the two leaders also discussed the importance of stability and peace amid increasing global uncertainty. According to Prabowo, solid relations between countries such as Indonesia and South Korea are becoming increasingly crucial in the face of a challenging world situation.

"My state visit here takes place in the midst of a world situation full of uncertainty and danger. Therefore, relations between countries such as Indonesia and South Korea are becoming increasingly important," said the President.

As a follow-up to the agreement, President Prabowo encouraged the ministers from both parties to immediately follow up on the points of cooperation. Concrete steps are needed so that the improvement in the status of this partnership can immediately be felt by the people of both countries.

"Let's ask our ministers to strive to realize this higher role," said Prabowo.