President Lee Jae Myung on June 23 held a separate phone talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on raising strategic bilateral cooperation. (Office of the President)

By Margareth Theresia

President Lee Jae Myung on June 23 held separate phone conversations with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on raising strategic bilateral cooperation.

These were the Korean president's first official talks with both leaders since taking office.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told a briefing that President Lee spoke with Prime Minister Anwar in the morning and President Prabowo in the afternoon.

In his dialogue with the Malaysian leader, President Lee said, "As our two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, let us reinforce our friendly and cooperative ties based on the trust and friendship built for over half a century."

Both sides agreed to jointly boost their mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in a range of sectors like trade and investment, infrastructure, digital transformation, green growth and the defense industry in line with this year's conclusion of their bilateral free trade agreement.

Because Korea is the chair country of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation this year and Malaysia is that of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the two leaders agreed to bolster cooperation with the international community in tackling regional and global problems.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (left) and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia and Executive Office of the President of Indonesia)

With President Prabowo, President Lee held an in-depth discussion on advancing the special strategic partnership between their countries.

The Indonesian leader said he hoped to further elevate ties with Korea, which he called "a longtime friend and strategic partner."

"Indonesia, where Korea made its first overseas investment, holds very special significance as a key partner state within ASEAN," President Lee said in response. "I highly value the continuous development of our strategic partnership across a wide range of fields including politics and national security, economy, society and culture since we formed ties in 1973."

Both presidents pledged to keep raising cooperation in key sectors like high-tech future industries in line with digital and green transitions, national defense and the defense industry in addition to promoting trade and investment. They also agreed to maintain active communication and exchange through bilateral and multilateral platforms and contribute to regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.

margareth@korea.kr