REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has affirmed that Indonesia consistently supports peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He received Prime Minister of South Korea Lee Nak-Yon and Deputy Prime Minister of North Korea Ri Ryong Nam in Cofftea House at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) stadium, here, Saturday evening, according to presidential spokesman Bey Machmudin in a statement.
"Asian Games is a significant moment that could help strengthen peace and friendship between South Korea and North Korea," President Jokowi said.
The Head of State hoped the current prevailing positive developments could be followed up so stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula could be materialized. He sent his regards to President Moon jae-in and Leader Kim Jong Un.
Jokowi also lauded North Korea and South Korea for forming a joint contingent in the 2018 Asian Games. As many as 58 athletes of the two Koreans are participating jointly in women's basketball, canoe, and rowing events during the 18th Asian Games.
Athletes from South Korea and North Korea paraded under one flag, which is "Korea" during Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony, Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, Saturday (Aug 18).
Besides, North and South Korean nations also send huge contingents in the largest multi-sport event in Asia.
In the meeting with the Korean leaders, Jokowi was flanked by Coordinating Minister for Culture and Human Development Puan Maharani, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister/State Secretary Pratikno, and Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea Umar Hadi.
During the contingent parade of the Asian Games opening ceremony, South Korea and North Korea appeared jointly with South Korean women's basketball athlete Lim Yung-hui and North Korean soccer player Ju Kyong-Chol carried the united Korean flag. Lee Nak-Yon and Ri Ryong Nam held their hands each other while waving to greet their joint contingent.
Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Ahmaf Fahaf Al-Sabah has praised the 18th Asian Games 2018 that opened in Indonesia here on Saturday. He said that it was historic as it has united two countries of the Korean Peninsula.
"We made a history today because South and North Korea have united in one team to compete in the Asian Games 2018," he said in his speech at the 18th Asian Games opening ceremony at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The Asian Games 2018 is being co-host by Jakarta and Palembang (South Sumatra Proivnce), from Aug 18 to Sept 2.
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