Jokowi visits Kenya to strengthen Historical Relations and Global South co-operation

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) paid a state visit to the Republic of Kenya and met with the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, on Monday (21/8). The visit took place at the State House, Nairobi, Republic of Kenya.

The visit began at around 10.00 a.m. local time when President Jokowi arrived at State House and was welcomed by President William Ruto. Then they headed to the stage of honour, where the national anthems of both countries were played while accompanied by a gun salute. Afterwards, President Jokowi inspected the guard of honour and introduced the delegates from both countries. The two leaders headed to the Presidential Court for a face-to-face meeting or téte-a-téte and ended with a photo session. They joined their respective country delegations at the Credential Hall for bilateral meetings. In the same room, the two leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of memoranda of understanding on cooperation between the two countries.

On that occasion, President Jokowi and President William Ruto also gave a statement at the Presidential Lawn, accompanied by delegations from both countries. The welcome ceremony ended with a luncheon at the Banquet Hall, State House.

President Jokowi emphasised that Indonesia and Kenya have strong historical relations, especially since the Asian-African Conference in Bandung in 1955 and the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961. During his visit to Kenya, President Jokowi brought the spirit of strengthening cooperation among global south countries, the same as the spirit of the Asian-African Conference in Bandung.

President Jokowi highlighted that relations between Indonesia and Kenya have been getting closer in the last nine years, especially in Indonesia’s foreign policy that pays special attention to the African region. Indonesia is also committed to continue strengthening cooperation with Kenya.

Source: KEMLU