Indonesia and Rwanda have reached a significant agreement allowing visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports. This agreement marks a new chapter in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Holders of Indonesian and Rwandan diplomatic and service passports can now travel visa-free to each other’s countries. This development follows a bilateral meeting in Jakarta where Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi signed the agreement.
The visa-free program simplifies entry and stays regulations for officials from both countries, fostering stronger diplomatic ties and cooperation. This move is expected to enhance mutual relations and facilitate easier movement of diplomatic personnel.
Rwanda has become the eighth sub-Saharan African country to open an embassy in Jakarta, signalling a significant milestone in Indonesia-Rwanda relations. The establishment of the embassy is anticipated to improve bilateral relations and strengthen Indonesia's connections with the African continent.
According to Foreign Minister Marsudi, the new Rwandan embassy in Jakarta will play a crucial role in improving diplomatic and economic relations. Both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the G77 and contribute significantly to UN peacekeeping forces.
Rwanda’s involvement in the upcoming second Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali this September further exemplifies the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Indonesia and Rwanda have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations, providing a basis for discussing various aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on regional and international issues.
The two countries have also intensified their security cooperation, with plans to finalize an MoU between Indonesia’s National Police and Rwanda’s National Police to combat transnational organized crimes and enhance capacity building.
In 2023, the trade value between Indonesia and Rwanda increased by 100%. In the first quarter of the current year, it rose by another 32%, demonstrating robust economic growth and cooperation between the two nations.
To further promote economic cooperation, the two ministers signed an MoU covering trade, agriculture, industry, energy, and mining. They also discussed a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Rwanda and explored the possibility of a PTA with the East African Community (EAC).
The visa-free arrangement for those with diplomatic or service passports between Indonesia and Rwanda represents a significant step forward in enhancing diplomatic and economic relations. This development, along with the establishment of the Rwandan embassy in Jakarta and various MoUs, underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral ties.
The visa-free agreement simplifies the entry and stay regulations for diplomatic and service passport holders, enhancing diplomatic relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Rwanda.
The new embassy will improve diplomatic relations and strengthen economic ties between Indonesia and Rwanda, fostering better cooperation.
The MoU provides a framework for discussing various aspects of bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on regional and international issues.
Trade between Indonesia and Rwanda increased by 100% in 2023 and rose by another 32% in the first quarter of the current year, showing robust economic growth.
The two countries are exploring a preferential trade agreement (PTA) and discussing the possibility of a PTA with the East African Community (EAC).
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