South Korea Regards Indonesia as a Special Partner

“Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is a virtue,” wrote the philosopher Baruch Spinoza.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that Indonesia holds the highest status as a partner in his country’s foreign relations. This statement was made while receiving Prabowo Subianto at Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday (1/4).

In the meeting, Lee encouraged elevating bilateral relations between the two countries to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, a level of cooperation that South Korea does not have with any other nation.

He reminded that the commitment to enhance relations had already been agreed upon in previous meetings. However, this visit is seen as a momentum to realise it concretely.

“In our last meeting, we committed to elevating bilateral relations to the highest level. On this occasion of President Prabowo’s state visit to Korea, it is very meaningful that we will achieve historic results by elevating our bilateral relations to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, and the Republic of Korea only has one such relationship with any country in the world,” Lee added.

Furthermore, Lee assessed that the relations between the two countries are not merely diplomatic formalities, but complementary partnerships. Indonesia is said to play an important role in South Korean investments and industrial development, including in strategic sectors.

“Indonesia is the first destination for Korean companies’ investments and a valuable partner that has helped realise Korea’s defence industry. In addition, Indonesia’s first electric vehicle is also produced jointly with Korean companies,” said Lee.

He also highlighted the length of diplomatic relations that have been established for more than half a century. During that period, both countries are assessed to have grown as mutually supportive partners amid various global changes.

“For more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we have become trusted friends and valuable partners on our shared journey, guiding and supporting each other based on each other’s strengths, wisdom, and trust. Amid global uncertainties and various challenges, Korea and Indonesia are a blessing to each other,” Lee stated.