Meeting with Indonesian Defense Minister, Moon: "Joint Development of Next-Generation Fighter Jets Shows Trust Between Both Countries"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated that the Korea-Indonesia joint development project of the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) "demonstrates the high level of trust between the two countries."

On the afternoon of the 8th, President Moon met with Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, who visited Korea to attend the KF-X prototype delivery ceremony at the Blue House, and said, "Through the New Southern Policy, we aim to further solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries."

Prior to his meeting with President Moon, Minister Prabowo discussed defense cooperation issues between the two countries in talks with South Korean Minister of Defense Seo Wook, confirming the unwavering commitment to the KF-X joint development.

President Moon emphasized, "South Korea is the only Asian country to have a strategic partnership with Indonesia," and evaluated that "the joint development of the next-generation fighter between South Korea and Indonesia, along with the submarine cooperation project, symbolically represents the high level of trust and cooperative relationship between the two countries."

He continued, "Minister Prabowo's visit to Korea shows a strong will for the success of defense industry cooperation between the two countries," adding, "I hope that defense and security cooperation between the two countries will further develop for mass production, technology transfer, and joint entry into third countries regarding the next-generation fighter, and I ask Minister Prabowo to play a role in this."

President Moon also conveyed his regards to Indonesian President Joko Widodo and expressed deep condolences over the massive casualties caused by floods and landslides in the eastern region of the Indonesian Sunda Islands, wishing for a swift recovery.

In response, Minister Prabowo said, "First, I thank you for the warm welcome and everything in Korea," and added, "We will work to further cooperate and develop the relationship between the two countries."