Defense chief ends Indonesia visit

Posted : 2018-01-31 16:28
Updated : 2018-01-31 19:28

By Lee Min-hyung

Defense Minister Song Young-moo ended his three-day Indonesia visit, which focused on expanding bilateral defense cooperation, Wednesday.

On Tuesday, he met with his Indonesian counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu, with both sides pledging to make concerted efforts to resolve North Korea's nuclear provocations peacefully.

They also agreed to continue strengthening their technological partnership for the ongoing KF-X project under which both countries jointly develop the fighter jet by the first half of 2026. They also reached a consensus to expand the partnership in other areas such as co-developing next-generation submarines, according to the defense ministry.

On Wednesday, Song paid a courtesy visit to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, asking for the latter to continue giving close attention and support to Korea's defense industry.

The Indonesian president praised Seoul's efforts to offer a series of reconciliatory gestures to Pyongyang to improve inter-Korean relations ahead of the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

He said he will visit Korea this year, and promised to build additional momentum for enhancing mutual ties in security and defense.