Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian delegation, led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, held the third meeting of the joint committee on economic cooperation with its South Korean counterpart in Seoul early this week.

The meeting was in line with the joint declaration signed by the heads of state of the two countries in 2005 on strategic partnership to promote friendship and cooperation in the 21st century, according to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in a press statement released on Wednesday.

At the meeting, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, the South Korean delegation was led by Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Yoon Sang-jick.

The meeting threw light on progress reports on the realization of cooperation in exclusive economic region, shipbuilding industry, use of compressed natural gas, and development of renewable energy.

Both sides also looked at progress reports on infrastructure development, Ciliwung river restoration project, rice farming mechanism, and development of green cars.

Hatta said industrial cooperation between the two countries should not be limited to steel, tire, shipbuilding and aviation industries, and information and communication technology.

"I also hope that South Korea will fulfill its promise to transfer technology and allow the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) to open its representative office in Seoul in an attempt to increase South Korean investments in Indonesia," he added.

He also expressed hope that there would be wider cooperation in infrastructure development to support the implementation of the Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of the Indonesian Economic Development (MP3EI) programs.

"Through the MP3EI, Indonesia has the potential to cooperate (with other countries) in developing its infrastructure in six economic corridors," he said.

He also noted that both the nations have made significant progress in forestry, agricultural and fisheries cooperation to enhance food security.

"Existing bilateral relations will continue in the long run, and they serve as a key to achieving mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries," he said.

Reported by Satyagraha
(S012/INE/H-YH)
EDITED BY INE
(KR-BSR)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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