Indonesian Ambassador Inaugurates Honorary Consul In Kigali To Increase Indonesia-Rwanda Cooperation

The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Tanzania concurrently with Rwanda, Burundi and the East African Community (EAC) Tri Yogo Jatmiko last week inaugurated the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia (Konhor RI) for Rwanda in Kigali, to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Rwanda.

The Honorary Consul inaugurated is Athanase Rutabingwa. After taking the oath, the Honorary Consul accepted the Presidential Decree (Keppres), Tauliah Letter, Identity Card, and official equipment of the Indonesian Honorary Consul.

Ambassador Tri Yogo Jatmiko said the appointment of the Indonesian Honorary Consul was a strategic step to strengthen concrete cooperation between Indonesia and Rwanda.

"The presence of the Indonesian Honorary Consul in Kigali is expected to expand trade, investment and tourism cooperation, as well as strengthen social and cultural relations between the two countries. In addition, the Indonesian Consul also has an important role in providing protection for Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Rwanda," explained the Indonesian Ambassador. in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday 3 February.

On the same occasion, the Director General of Asia Pacific and Middle East of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda Virgile Rwanyagatare, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Rwanda, said the inauguration of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia would further strengthen bilateral relations.

In addition, he also highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between Indonesia and Rwanda and the ongoing cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Honorary Consul Athanase Rutabingwa conveyed his commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries and facilitating various cooperative initiatives.

"I am honored for the trust given by the Government of Indonesia. I am committed to encouraging increased trade and investment, facilitating business and licensing trips, and ensuring protection for Indonesian citizens who live in Rwanda," he said.

It is known that Rutagingwa was appointed as the Indonesian Konhor based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Indonesia dated November 5, 2024.

He is a leading entrepreneur and lawyer who has a wide network with the government and business community in Rwanda, particularly in the fields of investment, trade, and finance.

Indonesian diplomatic relations (Rwanda) have been established since 1964 and have been further strengthened through various high-level meetings, including the meeting of the Presidents of the two countries on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022, the visit of the Foreign Minister of Rwanda, as well as the opening of the Rwanda Embassy in Jakarta in June 2024.

Not only that, the presence of the President of Rwanda in the Indonesia-Africa Forum II and the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholders Partnerships in Bali in September 2024 further emphasized the close relationship between the two countries.

Indonesia and Rwanda have the potential for great cooperation in various strategic sectors, including energy, gas, health, and mining.

The presence of the Indonesian Honorary Consul in Kigali is expected to be a bridge to strengthen communication and collaboration between business actors, the government, and the people of the two countries.

It is hoped that the presence of representatives of the Honorary Consul in Rwanda will strengthen Indonesia and Rwanda's bilateral relations, opening up more opportunities for cooperation in the future.