1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul had his first telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Retno Marsudi on February 13th, exchanging views on bilateral relations and major regional and global issues.

2. Foreign Minister Retno congratulated Foreign Minister Cho’s inauguration and suggested that they continue intense cooperation to further deepen Korea-Indonesia relations, which commemorated their 50th anniversary last year. Especially, Minister Retno expressed her hopes to increase trade and investment and pursue various forms of cooperation through the active implementation of the Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which took effect early last year.   

3. Foreign Minister Cho expressed his gratitude for Foreign Minister Retno’s congratulations and suggested close cooperation on strengthening the ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries. Minister Cho stated that he looked forward to an excellent new leader being elected in the upcoming Indonesian presidential elections due on Feb. 14th, hoping to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries under the new Indonesian leadership. Especially, Minister Cho suggested jointly pushing for the smooth implementation of cooperation projects under way and requested efforts to create a more conducive business environment, so that Korean companies can continue their contribution to the growth and development of Indonesia.

4. Foreign Minister Cho expressed concerns on North Korea’s consistent provocations and aggressive rhetoric and emphasized the importance of the international community’s clear message to stop the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which poses a threat to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the world. Additionally, Minister Cho highly appreciated Indonesia’s leadership as chair in ASEAN’s efforts to send out firm and concerted messages to North Korea. He also expressed his expectations for Indonesia’s proactive role in inducing North Korea to stop provocations and return to denuclearization negotiations.

5. Minister Cho appreciated Indonesia’s dedication to strengthening multilateralism as MIKTA chair in 2023 and requested Indonesia’s support and cooperation for the establishment of the ‘ROK-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ this year, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of ROK-ASEAN Dialogue Relations.