Kenya opens Embassy in Jarkata, Indonesia, Signs MOUs

The Government of Kenya has officially opened its Embassy in Jarkata Indonesia to enhance diplomatic relations.

The official inauguration of the embassy marks a momentous occasion and an accomplishment in the diplomatic contacts established prior to Kenya’s Independence.

The ceremony was graced by Amb Raychelle Omamo, Cabinet Secretary ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Retno Lestari Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, among other Government representatives.

“The opening of this Mission is no doubt a momentous occasion, because it marks an incredible milestone in our bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1982.  It is, therefore, with deep appreciation that I commend the Government of Indonesia for the immense support and facilitation extended to us towards the establishment of this Mission”. CS Amb Omamo said.

According to Indonesia Foreign Minister H.E Retno Marsudi, “the opening of the embassy is an important momentum for the bilateral relations between Kenya and Indonesia to bring our two nations closer.”

The new mission is expected to bring consular services closer for all Kenyan residents in Indonesia, as well as help the two countries to reinvigorate their bilateral relations and collaborations.
The relations between the two countries has broadened over the years with cooperation in various fields that include Trade and Investment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Education and Human Resource Skills Development, Defence and Security, ICT and Industrialization, Affordable Health Care, Housing and Urban Development, Culture and Tourism and Energy and Mineral Resources.

As an emerging economic power, Indonesia is a high-potential partner in Kenya’s national development agenda, particularly in trade and industrialization, security and police cooperation, finance, investments, universal healthcare, and urban development. Indonesia views Kenya not only as a promising market but also as a gateway to the East African Region. Indonesia is also a promising market for a variety of Kenya’s exports.

Kenya’s main exports to Indonesia include tea, coffee and coffee substitutes, tobacco, vegetables, leather, and metallic salts. With the establishment of a fully- fledged diplomatic mission, Kenya is keen to strengthen the relationship and increase the value of its exports to Indonesia by shifting its export base from agricultural and mineral-based raw materials to value-added manufactured products and is seeking public and private partnerships with Indonesia in technology transfer, capacity building, training and investment in the entire value chain.

We shall work to ensure that we have regular political consultations to strengthen the relations between Kenya and Indonesia to ensure we increase investment opportunities for the benefit of the people of the two countries. We hope that the opening of this mission will lead to the realization of the potential that exists between our two countries. CS Omamo said.