Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has expressed Indonesia’s readiness to facilitate closer engagement between North Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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 on 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),” The Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement said on Saturday.

The visit, conducted at the invitation of Minister Choe, marked the first by an Indonesian Foreign Minister to North Korea in 12 years.

Both ministers exchanged views on the long-standing friendship between Indonesia and North Korea and discussed efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

They have agreed to explore new and mutually beneficial areas of collaboration.

Indonesia and North Korea established diplomatic relations in the 1960s, founded upon the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect between their leaders and peoples. (PNA)