President Lee Jae Myung (right) on April 1 poses for photos with visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Kang Gahui

President Lee Jae Myung on April 1 upgraded bilateral ties with Indonesia to the level of a "special comprehensive strategic partnership" after his summit with visiting Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Seoul.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing that day, "Amid rapid changes in global conditions, both leaders agreed to bolster a comprehensive and strategic cooperation as trustworthy allies and key partners in economy and innovation, security and the defense industry, and cultural and creative industries."

"We adopted a joint statement on the launch of a special comprehensive strategic partnership between Korea and Indonesia."

The new level of relations is a first for both countries.

The two sides also signed 16 memorandums of understanding on the occasion of the summit to form a systematic basis for cooperation across sectors.

Under the common goal of surpassing bilateral trade volume of USD 30 billion again, Seoul and Jakarta agreed to expand cooperation through measures like a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, halal certification and intellectual property protection. They will also pursue strategic investments and joint ventures in future industries such as ecosystems for electric vehicles and batteries, supply chains for core minerals, artificial intelligence, and new and renewable energy.

The two countries also pledged to expand cooperation in the defense industry based on their joint development of the KF-21 fighter jet, covering production, maintenance and personnel training and boosting cooperation in nonconventional security sectors such as terrorism and disasters.

President Lee also awarded the Indonesian leader the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, Korea's highest honor, for his contributions to boosting bilateral friendship.

kgh89@korea.kr