VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia, Kim Chang-beom, hopes that the Indonesia Korea Friendship Association (IKFA) can strengthen relations between the two countries in various fields.

"The IKFA is expected to strengthen the relations between Indonesia and South Korea that have been established since 45 years ago, and to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, namely cultural, sports, and business fields," Kim stated while attending the declaration of the new management of IKFA in Jakarta on Thursday.

Kim further noted that he could facilitate cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

"The collaborations that we have carried out so far are very much needed to further strengthen relations between the two countries," he remarked.

He revealed that Indonesia is a true friend of South Korea.

"Hopefully, the spirit of collaboration of the IKFA management will continue to ignite the course of relations between Indonesia and South Korea in the future," he revealed.

He added that the partnership between the two countries had increased to become a "special strategic partnership," by emphasizing the acceleration of industrialization in Indonesia.

The agreement took place during a meeting between President Joko Widodo and President Moon Jae-In in Bogor, West Java, in 2017.

"We also do our best regarding the 'special strategic partnerships,' in an effort to increase the volume of trade, investment, business, and others between the two countries," he explained.

In the January-June 2018 period, trade between the two countries grew 10.12 percent to US$8.84 billion compared to the same period of the previous year, but Indonesia experienced a deficit of $1.8 million. (ANTARA)