On Thursday, June 6, the Government of Rwanda officially opened its embassy in Indonesia, in a bid to foster bilateral relations with the Asian country.
The embassy was opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Vincent Biruta as part of his visit to the country.
“Our visit to Indonesia also provides the opportunity to officially open the Embassy of Rwanda in Jakarta,” Biruta said.
“This embassy is a statement to our enduring friendship and will serve as a vital link in enhancing bilateral relations facilitating diplomatic engagements and providing services to our citizens.”
In March 2023, Abdul Karim Harerimana was appointed ambassador to the Asian country and he presented his letters of credence to President Joko Widodo in December the same year.
During the inauguration of the Rwandan embassy, Retno Marsudi, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs encouraged the enhancement of bilateral relations with Rwanda.
“My congratulations to the government of Rwanda on the opening of its embassy. Indonesia is very honored to welcome your embassy here,” she stated in her speech at the inauguration ceremony.
Rwanda has become the eighth Sub-Saharan African country to open an embassy in Jakarta, a milestone in Indonesia-Rwanda relations, Retno said.
Following the inauguration, Biruta and Retno, signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) concerning political consultation, general cooperation, and visa exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders.
Retno highlighted that Indonesia and Rwanda are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77. The two nations also contribute significantly to UN peacekeeping forces.
She expressed confidence that the establishment of the Rwanda embassy in Jakarta would enhance bilateral relations and strengthen Indonesia’s ties with the African continent.
“We discussed the establishment of the PTA between Indonesia and Rwanda and explored the possibility of establishing a PTA between Indonesia and Rwanda
The timing is opportune, as next year we will celebrate the platinum jubilee of the Asia-Africa Conference,” she said.
This was not the first time that Indonesia revealed its interest in a trade pact with Rwanda. In 2022, Jokowi proposed the possibility of striking such a pact to his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali.
Retno further underscored Indonesia’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial cooperation with African nations.
She also welcomed Rwanda’s participation in the upcoming second Indonesia-Africa Forum, set to take place in Bali this September.
