Following the official welcoming ceremony for Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is making a state visit to Korea, President Moon Jae-in sat down with him for a summit this afternoon.
At a one-on-one and expanded summit, the two heads of state noted that there have been achievements and progress in the implementation of what was agreed upon at their last summit in November last year. The two leaders had in-depth discussions on how to give concrete substance to bilateral cooperation commensurate with a special strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two Presidents gave a high evaluation to the achievements of successful cooperation between the two nations in infrastructure development for a light rail transit system and a hydroelectric power plant as well as in major industries, including steel and petrochemical goods. They also agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation into railroads, development of areas surrounding subway stations and the intelligent transportation system as well as enhance substantive cooperation for common prosperity in other sectors, including automobiles, information and communications technology and agrifood. On top of this, the two leaders came to an agreement to push ahead with cooperative projects aimed at strengthening both countries' industrial innovation capabilities to secure future growth engines.
A Korean consortium participated in building the first-stage section of the Jakarta Light Rail Transit, extending for 5.8 km, and the section was opened for a trial run on the occasion of Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games. Currently, the bidding for construction of the second and third-stage sections is underway.
The two Presidents also agreed to adopt an online visa application system to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which serve as the foundation for progress in bilateral relations, and streamline visa application procedures for Indonesian tourists coming to Korea by establishing a visa application center in Jakarta.
At President Jokowi's suggestion to run a program to enhance exchanges and networking between young people in both nations in various areas of politics, the economy and culture, the two Presidents reached an agreement to launch the Young Leaders Dialogue.
The two leaders agreed to have more vibrant strategic communication in the region as well as on other international stages, including the United Nations and MIKTA. They also concurred on the need to closely cooperate in response to regional and global issues, including maritime and environmental affairs and marine security, which are common tasks of peoples around the world.
In addition, the two sides decided to further solidify relations in areas of long-lasting strategic cooperation, such as national defense and the defense industry, and to continue collaboration in such areas as the joint production of next-generation fighter jets and submarines.
President Moon explained to President Jokowi about the recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and asked for continuous support and cooperation for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and settlement of permanent peace.
In an opening remark, President Moon congratulated President Jokowi on the successful hosting of the Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games that ended on September 2 and expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian Government and people for supporting the participation of unified South and North Korean teams and their joint march during the opening ceremony.
Most of all, President Moon showed his appreciation to President Jokowi for making efforts to contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula by inviting both South and North Korean heads of state to the opening ceremony. The Korean President also expressed his special gratitude to his Indonesian counterpart for showing great interests by tweeting a photograph of Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon and North Korean Deputy Prime Minister Ri Ryong-nam holding hands and welcoming South and North Korean athletes marching together during the opening ceremony.
President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and said he hoped that bilateral relations would become stronger and even more special.