President Prabowo, President Lee Agree to Expand Indonesia-South Korea Comprehensive Partnership

President Prabowo Subianto holds a bilateral meeting with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Korea, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), on Wednesday (03/01). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat).

President Prabowo Subianto held a bilateral meeting with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Korea, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), on Wednesday (03/01).

The meeting marked a significant moment to strengthen ties between the two countries amid increasingly complex global dynamics.

In his opening remarks, President Prabowo emphasized that his first state visit to South Korea holds strategic importance, reflecting Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing close partnerships. “For me, this first state visit is very important. I consider South Korea a close friend of Indonesia, and I want to elevate this cooperation,” President Prabowo said.

He acknowledged that long-term bilateral relations involve dynamics, including potential different views. However, openness and honesty are key to maintaining constructive relations.

The Head of State stressed that Indonesia and South Korea shared strong interests, particularly as trading nations in Pacific region. According to him, both countries have complementary roles in various strategic sectors.

“Both of us are Pacific nations. Both are trading nations. We need good relations for the economic welfare of both our countries, and we may have complementary roles,” President Prabowo added, while highlighting South Korea’s rapid advances in industry, science, and technology, which can synergize with Indonesia’s abundant natural resources and large market. Beyond economics, he also underscored cooperation for stability and peace amid rising global uncertainties.

“My state visit here occurs amid a world full of uncertainty and danger. Therefore, relations between countries like Indonesia and the Republic of Korea become increasingly important,” said President Prabowo.

In this context, President Prabowo expressed hopes to elevate the special strategic partnership into a more comprehensive one. He urged ministers from both nations to promptly realize this enhancement.

“Let us ask our ministers to realize this higher partnership,” President Prabowo remarked.

From the Blue House, the message is clear. Indonesia and South Korea are not only tightening friendship but building a strategic future relation, which shapes the Indo-Pacific’s economy, stability, and prosperity. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (EST/LW)