President Moon talks with Indonesian leader... Consensus on 'Post-Corona' economic cooperation

President Moon Jae-in (Photo by Cheong Wa Dae)

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 21st, President Moon Jae-in held a phone call with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and reached a consensus on international cooperation to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and economic cooperation in preparation for the 'post-COVID' era.

Kang Min-seok, the Blue House spokesperson, stated in a written briefing that President Joko Widodo said during the call, "I hope that the cooperation to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the economic cooperation promises made by both countries to overcome the post-COVID crisis, will proceed well," to which President Moon responded, "I fully agree." The call between the two leaders was conducted at the request of President Joko Widodo and lasted about 20 minutes starting at 3 p.m. that day.

President Moon said, "I hope that the two countries will overcome COVID-19 together, and especially that the Korea-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be promptly implemented to contribute to economic recovery between the two countries, and that cooperation plans related to defense and the capital relocation can be actively discussed." He also quoted an Indonesian proverb, "Even if it is heavy, we carry it together; even if it is light, we hold it together," adding, "Although these are difficult times due to COVID-19, I hope the two countries will continue to communicate closely and strengthen cooperation."

President Moon emphasized, "The most important thing in overcoming COVID-19 is close cooperation and solidarity within the international community," and announced plans to further strengthen international cooperation through ▲ supply of quarantine and medical supplies ▲ sharing of quarantine experiences and clinical data ▲ guaranteeing the exchange of essential personnel such as businesspeople ▲ cooperation in vaccine and treatment development.

He then explained the current status of South Korea's humanitarian aid to Indonesia, including spray-type disinfectors and diagnostic kits, and said that additional humanitarian aid measures would be considered in light of the special strategic partnership between South Korea and Indonesia.

Furthermore, President Moon expressed sympathy, saying, "I heard that the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths in Indonesia is increasing, and the government is making every effort for COVID-19 quarantine, including declaring a national disaster," and added, "I believe that under President Joko Widodo's leadership, the government and people will unite to overcome COVID-19 as soon as possible."

In response, President Joko Widodo expressed gratitude, saying, "Korean quarantine supplies have greatly contributed to overcoming Indonesia's COVID-19 crisis," and expressed his intention, "Let us both participate together in the international community's cooperative efforts to respond to COVID-19."

He also said, "I have developed deep respect for Korea's recent great achievements in preventing the spread of COVID-19," and "Indonesia hopes to learn from Korea's experience."

Along with this, President Joko Widodo congratulated President Moon on the results of the April 15 general election, saying, "I am pleased with the ruling party's big victory," and "I see the ruling party's victory as a result of the people's trust in President Moon's leadership."

President Moon responded, "I appreciate the warm congratulations that feel like those of a true friend," and said, "Fortunately, the recent significant decrease in COVID-19 confirmed cases in Korea has helped safely conduct the nationwide election."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.