Two years after promising to strengthen ties with Indonesia, Kenya has launched its third embassy in Jarkata, Indonesia.
After establishing a diplomatic post in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, five years ago, Nairobi now has three diplomatic stations in the region. The other is in Thailand, in Bangkok.
Kenya claims that the opening of an embassy in Indonesia will help boost economic connections by providing proper consular service.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo opened the mission formally on Thursday, accompanied by her Indonesian counterpart Retno Lestari Marsudi.
“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,” she said.
Officials from both countries stated that they will now try to establish frequent contacts in order to improve trade and discuss shared viewpoints on international issues.
The two countries said they want to improve trade, agriculture and fisheries, education, and healthcare partnership, with Kenya considered as an entry point for Indonesian commodities into East Africa.
Kenya has been exporting $8.09 million worth of tea, leather, and tobacco to Indonesia. According to available statistics from 2020, it imported paper, boards, industrial boilers, rubbers, plastics, and edible oils worth $588.86 million from the Southeast Asian country.