President Moon Jae-in and Indonesian President Joko Widodo held a summit for 53 minutes from 2:30 p.m. today. The Indonesian President is visiting Korea to attend the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit.

The two heads of state exchanged views on ways to take bilateral relations to the next level by promoting substantive cooperation in a wide range of areas, including infrastructure, the defense industry, environmental protection and public administration. They also had in-depth discussions on cooperation on the international stage and the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. 

Importantly, the two leaders welcomed the finalization of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Korea and Indonesia and expressed hope that bilateral trade would expand further in the days ahead.

President Moon said, “I am very familiar with Indonesia’s capital relocation program, the focus of President Jokowi’s new Administration. Korea also moved its administrative capital to Sejong City in 2011 as part of the efforts to promote balanced national development. Last year, Sejong City was selected as a pilot smart city, and we are now developing the area into a futuristic urban community by applying the world’s most advanced ICT, artificial intelligence and other relevant technologies. Korea’s experience in promoting balanced national development and building smart cities will be of help to the capital relocation project in Indonesia.”

In response, President Joko Widodo said his country aimed to develop the new capital into a smart, eco-friendly and safe city. The Indonesian President expressed the hope that Korea’s advanced technologies could contribute to the new Indonesian capital effort.

Speaking of the capsizing of the Changjin fishing boat, President Jokowi said there were six Indonesian sailors aboard the ship but all of them were rescued safely. The Indonesian President expressed his gratitude to the Korean Government for its rescue efforts.

At today’s summit, President Moon expressed the hope that the two countries would enhance cooperation on the international stage, including at the P4G Summit, MIKTA and the United Nations.

In conclusion, President Moon said, “I was told that President Jokowi went to Gamcheon Village in Busan. I am grateful for His Excellency’s thoughtfulness. The President also stressed, “I will develop Busan—my hometown and the venue of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit—into a city that symbolizes Korea-ASEAN relations.”