President Lee Jae Myung Affirms Indonesia as Korea’s Only Highest-Level Partner

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung holds a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at the ROK’s Presidential Palace, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), on Wednesday (04/01). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung elevated the bilateral relations between South Korea and Indonesia to a special comprehensive strategic partnership. This was conveyed in his introductory remarks during the bilateral meeting with President Prabowo at the ROK’s Presidential Palace, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), on Wednesday (04/01).

“On behalf of the Korean people, I welcome the state visit of His Excellency President Prabowo to Korea,” said President Lee.

President Lee said that at the previous summit, the two countries had committed to elevating the bilateral relations to the highest level. He further emphasized that the President Prabowo’s state visit is a crucial moment to achieve a historic milestone by elevating the relationship to a special comprehensive strategic partnership.

“In our last meeting, we have committed to elevating our bilateral relations to the highest level. So, the President Prabowo’s state visit to Korea becomes very significant that we will achieve a historic milestone by elevating our bilateral relations to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, and the ROK has only established such a relationship with one country (Indonesia) in the world,” President Lee added.

On the occasion, President Lee said that the two countries hold special significance for each other and complement each other in various strategic areas. Indonesia is considered a key partner for investment and industrial development. President Lee also highlighted concrete collaborative achievements, including in the development of electric vehicles, as a symbol of future collaboration between the two countries.

“Indonesia is the first investment destination for Korean companies and a valued partner that has helped establish the Korean defense industry. Furthermore, Indonesia’s first electric vehicle was also produced jointly with a Korean company,” President Lee said.

He said further that the two countries have taken strong initial steps in various cooperation sectors and continued to expand the partnership. President Lee expressed optimism that Indonesia and South Korea can create more projects in the future that will provide tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

“For more than 50 years since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, we have maintained friendly relations with mutual trust and have become valued partners on a shared journey, guiding and supporting each other based on our respective strengths, wisdom, and trust. Amid the global uncertainty and various challenges, Korea and Indonesia are a blessing to each other,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, President Lee reiterated his appreciation for President Prabowo’s visit and expressed his hope that the relations between the two countries would grow stronger and provide greater benefits for the two countries. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/AW)