The Government of Kenya has today March 18, 2022 officially opened its Embassy in Jarkata Indonesia. The official inauguration of the embassy marks a momentous occasion and an accomplishment in the diplomatic contacts established prior to Kenya’s Independence. Indonesia was first in opening its diplomatic mission in Nairobi in 1982.
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, and a host of both Kenya and Indonesia private and government officials.
“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”. Said the Cabinet Secretary Amb Raychelle Omamo.
Indonesia Foreign Minister H.E Retno Marsudi said “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 Kenyans resident in Indonesia. In addition, the new embassy is expected to help our two countries to reinvigorate bilateral relations as well as add the momentum in bilateral 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, 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.
Both countries agreed to engage in regular political consultations to strengthen the relations between Kenya and Indonesia to ensure an increase in 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.
In the recent past Government of Kenya has commissioned the opening of six new resident diplomatic mission and consulates globally as “we seek to expand our global footprint, strengthening our bilateral engagement and people-to-people interactions as we promote mutually beneficial international cooperation” said Omamo.
Kenya and Indonesia have a long historical relationship that dates back to the first Asian- African or Afro- Asian Conference in 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia. In April 2018, Kenya participated in the first-ever Asia – Africa Forum (IAF) in Bali, Indonesia.
Earlier today, the Cabinet Secretary Amb Raychelle Omamo together with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Retno Lestari Marsudi, held extensive consultations during the Inaugural Session of the Kenya-Indonesia Joint Bilateral Consultations. The core objective of the consultations is the need to deliberately strengthen cooperation, and explore new opportunities for collaboration in various fields including Trade and Investments, Manufacturing sector, food and Nutrition, Universal healthcare and Affordable Housing and Agribusiness, Education and Human Resource Skills Development; Defence and Security; and ICT for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
Kenya believes that growing our trade relations and attracting investment opportunities remain Kenya priority and focus. The opening of the embassy re-affirms the government of Kenya desire and commitment to continue working closely with Indonesia to strengthen our bonds of friendship and cooperation.
The Cabinet secretary expressed her gratitude to the Government of Indonesia for the support extended during the opening of the Embassy and looked forward to a vibrant and fruitful collaboration between the two countries.