Seoul: South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung held separate phone calls on Monday with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss bilateral relations. These conversations marked Lee's initial direct interactions with the leaders of these Southeast Asian nations following his recent election as South Korea's president. According to Anadolu Agency, during the conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, both leaders expressed optimism about advancing their countries' strategic partnership. South Korea's presidential spokesperson, Kang Yu-jung, reported that Lee and Anwar agreed to collaborate on expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure, digital transformation, green growth, and defense. This cooperation is particularly significant with the anticipated conclusion of the South Korea-Malaysia free trade agreement this year, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations b etween the two countries. Additionally, South Korea and Malaysia are set to host significant international events later this year, with South Korea organizing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and Malaysia hosting meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). President Lee's discussion with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto focused on enhancing South Korea's relationship with Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Lee emphasized on X that Indonesia is one of South Korea's key partners, highlighting the development of the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations based on mutual trust and friendship. President Lee noted that amid a rapidly changing global environment, both leaders shared a common vision to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation as longstanding friends and strategic partners. Lee's public approval rating has surged to nearly 60% during the second week of his presidency, reflecting positive public sentiment towards his leadership and diplomatic efforts.