Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Mahfud MD stated that Indonesia and South Korea had strong and unique modalities to improve their strategic partnership.Mahfud said the two countries have many values in common, such as democracy, an open economy, peace-loving, respect for human rights, and upholding international law. “The two countries can continue to enhance future-oriented cooperation, not only on global issues but also on priority bilateral issues,” Mahfud said in a statement released on his ministry’s website on Friday. Several priority issues referred by the minister are energy, food, and infrastructure security, such as the development of the Nusantara State Capital (IKN Nusantara). “Relations between communities must also continue to be deepened through interactions between parliaments, business people, art communities, academics, and other community groups,” Mahfud remarked. Mahfud conveyed the statement in front of diplomatic corps, government officials, as well as Indonesian and Korean businessmen at the commemoration of the 78th anniversary of Indonesian independence and a diplomatic reception commemorating 50 years of Indonesia-Korea cooperation in Seoul on Thursday evening (August 31). Mahfud MD was the guest of honor at the partnership between the two countries which have adopted the theme of “Tighter Friendship, Stronger Partnership.” Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Seoul Gandi Sulistiyanto expressed optimism that the strengthening of future-oriented cooperation would continue to develop, including through the construction of IKN Indonesia’s new capital. Sulistiyanto, who also gave a speech at the event, also bid adieu in connection with the end of his term of office in Seoul. On that occasion, the Korean side, represented by Chairman of the Korea-Indonesia Parliamentary Friendship Committee Kim Gi Hyeon, emphasized the increasingly important and strategic relationship between the two countries in the next five decades. ccording to Kim, the relations between Indonesia and South Korea will have a positive effect on neighboring countries, especially in maintaining peace and creating prosperity in the region.

Source: Antara News Agency