Ethiopian Airlines is expecting to kick off its inaugural direct flight connecting Jakarta and Addis Ababa next month.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi met with Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam on the sidelines of the Indonesia-Africa Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Wednesday.

“We talked about connectivity because it matters in supporting economic, trade and people-to-people cooperation,” said Retno after the meeting.

“Hence, the agreement on the direct flight is a breakthrough for Indonesia-Africa economic ties,” she added.

Retno further said a lack of connectivity had been an issue that hindered Indonesia and Africa from boosting trade and investment cooperation.

“In the meeting, I also expressed our interest to designate Addis Ababa as the hub of Indonesia’s visa services for other African countries,” the minister said.

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Retno also suggested Ethiopian Airlines cooperate with national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia for maintenance services.

Separately, Indonesian Ambassador to Ethiopia Imam Santosa said the Jakarta-Addis Ababa direct flight would likely kick off within a month or two, depending on the progress of technical preparations.

“It depends on technical readiness, like offices, partnerships for catering services and airport facilities,” he said. “Once they are ready, the flights can start.”

Ethiopian Airlines plans to provide the direct flight three times a week via Bangkok. (ebf)