Dr Vincent Biruta Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on June 6, officially inaugurated Rwanda’s embassy in the Capital Jakarta later today.
“Our visit to Indonesia also provides the opportunity to officially open the Embassy of Rwanda in Jakarta. 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. It also symbolizes our dedication to establishing a robust presence in Indonesia and furthering our diplomatic engagement in the region,” said Vincent Biruta Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The embassy according to Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry marks a new chapter in Indonesia-Rwanda relations.
According to a press statement released by the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry, “Rwanda is one of Indonesia’s closest friends in Africa. Our two leaders have expressed their strong commitment to deepen our bilateral relations.”
Dr Biruta is currently on a working visit in Jakarta, Indonesia where he held discussions with the host country’s top diplomat.
“In a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr.Biruta held a fruitful bilateral meeting with his counterpart Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia,” according to a communique by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They discussed; “General Cooperation; Political Consultation; Visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders.”
On Political and Security Cooperation
“We are glad to announce that Indonesia and Rwanda have signed the MoU on Political Consultation. The MoU will serve as a basis to discuss various aspects of our bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues.”
“Indonesia and Rwanda have also intensified security cooperation in recent years. We are now finalizing an MoU between Indonesia and Rwanda National Police on combating transnational organized crimes and enhancing capacity building. Hopefully it will be signed soon.”
On Economic Cooperation
“We are glad that our bilateral trade is recovering steadily after the pandemic. Last year our trade value increased by 100% and in this first quarter, this year it increased by 32%. Nevertheless, we believe there is still an ample room to grow.”
“To further boost our economic cooperation, today we signed the MoU on General Cooperation which encompasses, among others, trade, agriculture, industry, energy and mining.”
“We also discussed the establishment of the preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Rwanda and explored the possibility of establishing PTA between Indonesia and the East African Community (EAC).”
On People-to-people Contact
“Today we have signed the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passport that will simplify regulations on the entry and stay for the two countries’ officials and contribute to the strengthening of our friendly ties.”
“Indonesia has granted Rwanda a Visa on Arrival (VoA) status since February last year to intensify people-to-people contact including B-to-B engagement.”