Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung held summit talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday to discuss bilateral ties, focusing on defense industry cooperation. Prabowo arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, marking his second meeting with Lee after their discussions at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea last year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the talks are expected to prioritize expanding defense industry cooperation, particularly through the joint development of the KF-21 fighter jet. President Lee has highlighted the KF-21 project as a "model example" of international defense collaboration. South Korea plans to finalize a deal to export 16 KF-21 jets to Indonesia, marking its first overseas sale of indigenous fighter jets.

The discussions are also anticipated to cover strengthening South Korea's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), addressing broader security and global issues, including those concerning the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Indonesia, a major ASEAN member with significant natural resources, is seen as a strategic partner for South Korea.

During the meeting, President Lee plans to honor President Prabowo with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea's highest accolade, recognizing his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and support Korean enterprises in Indonesia. Additionally, President Lee will present Prabowo with a traditional Korean bow set and a martial arts book from the Joseon Dynasty, reflecting Prabowo's keen interest in martial arts, influenced by his background as a former Army general and defense minister.