The statement came during a bilateral meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui in Pyongyang on Saturday, as part of Sugiono’s official visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea's official name) taking place from October 10 to 11.
“Minister Sugiono reaffirmed Indonesia’s readiness to facilitate closer engagement between the DPRK and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including through the DPRK’s enhanced participation in ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF),” said a statement from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released in Jakarta on Saturday.
The visit, conducted at the invitation of Minister Choe, marks the first visit by an Indonesian Foreign Minister to North Korea in 12 years.
Beyond discussing ASEAN-related matters, both ministers exchanged views on the long-standing friendship between Indonesia and North Korea and discussed efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to explore new and mutually beneficial areas of collaboration.
In the spirit of strengthening bilateral ties, both Foreign Ministers signed the Renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations.
The MoU will serve as a platform to explore potential cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including political, socio-cultural, technical, and sports.
Both sides view the MoU update as a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship and mutual commitment to deepening bilateral relations that have spanned more than six decades.
The previous evening, Foreign Minister Sugiono also attended the commemorative event of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea at the invitation of the Government of North Korea.
Indonesia and North Korea established diplomatic relations in the 1960s, founded upon the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect between their leaders and peoples.
The last visit by an Indonesian Foreign Minister to Pyongyang took place in 2013. Minister Sugiono’s visit thus underscores Indonesia’s continued commitment to fostering constructive engagement and cooperation with North Korea.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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