President Moon Meets Indonesian Defense Minister... Emphasizes 'Mutually Beneficial Cooperation' in KF-X Project (Comprehensive)

[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) is "a demonstration of the high level of trust between the two countries."

On the afternoon of the 8th, President Moon met with Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian Minister of Defense, 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 with South Korean Minister of Defense Suh Wook and confirmed the unwavering commitment to the KF-X joint development project.

President Moon emphasized, "South Korea is the only Asian country that has established a strategic partnership with Indonesia," and evaluated, "The KF-X joint development project, along with the submarine cooperation project, symbolically demonstrates the high level of trust and cooperative relationship between the two countries."

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

President Moon also conveyed his regards to Indonesian President Joko Widodo and expressed deep condolences for 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, "Thank you first for the warm welcome and everything in Korea," and added, "We will work to further cooperate and develop bilateral relations."

During a subsequent private meeting, President Moon emphasized mutual cooperation between the two countries. He explained, "South Korea is a reliable defense cooperation partner with world-class defense capabilities and defense weapon systems," and stated, "In defense cooperation, South Korea does not simply export finished products but pursues mutual cooperation through technology transfer, technical cooperation, joint production, and joint entry into third countries."

Minister Prabowo responded, "I admire South Korea's successful national development, modernization, and advancement of technology and industry," and said, "I believe that cooperation projects with South Korea, including the fighter jet project, must succeed." Toward the end of the meeting, he also requested cooperation from South Korea, saying, "As Minister of Defense, I am also in charge of Indonesia's food base project." In response, President Moon asked Minister Suh and others present to "closely consult to make it a new economic cooperation model."

The Blue House evaluated, "Minister Prabowo's strong will for the success of the KF-X joint development project is significant."