Minister Biruta stated that the inauguration was evidence of Rwanda and Indonesia's strong commitment to building close relations through bilateral cooperation. The opening of the Rwandan Embassy in Indonesia marks a new milestone in the history of the two countries' relationship.

"This embassy will serve as a 'bridge' for cooperation between the two countries, covering mutual interests, trade and investment," said Biruta in his speech.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Harelimana described this moment as an indicator of the growing closeness and strength of the friendship between Indonesia and Rwanda.

"We highly value this mutually beneficial relationship," he said.

Agreement on bilateral cooperation

Minister Retno applauded the official opening of the Rwandan Embassy in Indonesia, stating that the presence of Rwandan government representation was an honor for Indonesia.

"Rwanda is one of Indonesia's close partners in Africa. The leaders of both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation," Retno said in her address.

Rwanda and Indonesia are both members of the Non-Aligned Movement and G-77, and the largest contributors to peacekeeping forces. Therefore, Retno believes that the opening of the Rwandan Embassy in Jakarta will not only strengthen bilateral cooperation but also enhance Indonesia's cooperation with Africa in general.

She mentioned three areas of cooperation between the two countries. First, political and security cooperation, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultation, which will serve as the basis for discussing various aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanging ideas on international issues.

"Indonesia and Rwanda have also enhanced security cooperation in recent years. Currently, both countries are finalizing an MoU between their respective police forces regarding the handling of transnational organized crime and capacity building," said Retno.

Second, economic cooperation. The value of trade between the two countries has been steadily increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, it increased by 100 percent, and in the first quarter of this year, it increased by 32 percent.

"We believe there are still ample opportunities for further growth. To promote economic cooperation, today we signed an MoU on general cooperation covering trade, agriculture, industry, energy and mining," she said.

The two countries also discussed plans to establish a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Rwanda and explore the formation of a PTA between Indonesia and the East African Community (EAC).

Third, people-to-people relations. Both countries have signed a visa-free agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. Meanwhile, Rwanda has been included in Indonesia's Visa on Arrival (VoA) list since February 2023. This is expected to increase the intensity of people-to-people relations between the two countries, including business communities.

In addition to bilateral issues, the two foreign ministers also discussed global issues, namely Palestine. Indonesia and Rwanda share the same view on continuing to strengthen support for Palestine to achieve Palestinian independence based on a two-state solution.

The two countries also agreed to promote the unity and role of the Global South in shaping the global agenda. In this regard, Retno expressed appreciation for Rwanda's confirmation of participation in the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, which will be held in September in Bali. (*)

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