South Korea Seeks Indonesia's Help in North Korea Dialogue

The Blue House stated on August 1 that President Lee Jae-myung has requested Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to mediate dialogue between North and South Korea through a visit to North Korea. The Blue House emphasized that it has been continuously seeking cooperative measures with friendly nations, including Indonesia, regarding both Koreas.

In a press release, the Blue House noted, "The government believes that countries with friendly relations with both North and South Korea, including Indonesia, can play a constructive role in achieving peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."

While the Blue House did not confirm whether President Lee made an official request for a visit to North Korea, it suggested that the discussion of Indonesia's role was not a sudden request but rather a continuation of existing diplomatic efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue.

The Blue House also referenced the results of the South Korea-Indonesia summit held on April 1.

Earlier, President Prabowo revealed that during his state visit to South Korea in April, President Lee had inquired whether he would be willing to visit North Korea to initiate dialogue.

According to reports from Reuters and Indonesian weekly Tempo, President Prabowo stated at a Chamber of Commerce meeting at the presidential palace the day before, "During my visit to South Korea, the President asked, 'Would you be willing to visit North Korea to start a dialogue in any form?'"

He added, "I responded that if I receive an official request to visit North Korea, I would do so with respect and willingness."

President Prabowo assessed that President Lee's question stemmed from trust in Indonesia's foreign policy, which emphasizes independence and neutrality in international issues.

He stated, "Indonesia firmly adheres to the principle of not interfering in the internal affairs of any country and will strive to improve relations with all nations and propose approaches for dialogue while promoting reconciliation."

Indonesia has maintained diplomatic relations with both North and South Korea, advocating a non-aligned and neutral foreign policy. It established diplomatic ties with South Korea in 1973 and with North Korea in 1964.

During their summit in April, Presidents Lee and Prabowo agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship from a 'special strategic partnership' to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership' and to continue cooperation for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and mutual growth.