Terima Menteri Luar Negeri Rwanda, Menlu Retno Bahas Kerja Sama Keamanan Hingga Pembebasan Visa

Minister of Foreign Affairs Blueta with Foreign Minister Retno. (Source: Lusinta/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi discussed political cooperation, security, and visa exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders, when receiving a visit from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda Vincent Biruta.

This is the first official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Biruta to Indonesia. Indonesia's relationship with Rwanda itself will enter a new chapter, said Foreign Minister Retno, in line with the inauguration of the Rwanda Embassy in Jakarta today, after the plan was announced last year.

"Rwanda is one of Indonesia's closest friends in Africa. Our two leaders have expressed their strong commitment to deepening our bilateral relations," Foreign Minister Retno said in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, June 6.

In this meeting, there were at least three important issues discussed by the foreign ministers of the two countries. First, related to political and security cooperation.

Foreign Minister Retno said Indonesia and Rwanda had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation. This will be the basis for discussing various aspects of bilateral cooperation, to exchanging views on regional and international issues.

"Indonesia and Rwanda have also intensified security cooperation in recent years. We are currently finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding between Indonesia and the Rwanda National Police regarding eradicating transnational organized crimes and increasing capacity development. Hopefully it can be signed soon," said Foreign Minister Retno.

In the economic sector, Foreign Minister Retno said bilateral trade with Rwanda is gradually recovering after the pandemic.

"Last year, our trade value increased by 100 percent. In the first quarter of this year it increased by 32 percent. Even so, we believe there is still enough room to grow," he explained.

To further enhance economic cooperation, continued Foreign Minister Retno, today was signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Public Cooperation which includes, among others, trade, agriculture, industry, energy and mining.

"We also discussed establishing a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Rwanda, exploring the possibility of forming a PTA between Indonesia and the East African Community (EAC).

Next, Indonesia and Rwanda today signed a Visa Liberation Agreement for Diplomatic Passport Holders and the Office, simplifying regulations on entry and residence for officials of both countries, contributing to strengthening our friendly relationship.

"Indonesia has given the status of Visa on Arrival (VoA) to Rwanda since February last year, to intensify inter-community relations including B-to-B relations," he explained.

Selain isu bilateral, kedua diplomat utama masing-masing negara membahas konflik di Palestina, memiliki pandangan yang sama tentang pentingnya meningkatkan up up upaya untuk mendukung Palestina, termasuk dengan mempromosikan penerapan solusi dua negara dan keluargaan penuh Palestina di PBB.

"We are monitoring with thorough development in Gaza, including a recent ceasefire proposal, and hope permanent peace can be restored and humanitarian aid can be distributed without a hitch," Foreign Minister Retno said.

He added that the Foreign Minister Biruta and himself also agreed that countries in the southern hemisphere need to play a bigger role in forming a global agenda. "Negara-negara in the southern hemisphere must strengthen its unity and collaboration," he concluded.