Statement by Amb. (Dr) Amina Mohamed, EGH, CAV, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Read by Political and Diplomatic Secretary, Amb. Tom Amolo, during the Farewell Lunch in Honour of H.E. MR. Sunu M. Soemarno, the outgoing Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya on January 29, 2016
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
We are gathered today to bid farewell and also pay special tribute to a dear friend and an exemplary diplomat, His Excellency Sunu Soemarno. Ambassador Soemarno is leaving after an outstanding tour of duty in Kenya.
Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the time honoured partnership between Kenya and Indonesia that is firmly underpinned by our shared principles of sincerity, interdependence, solidarity and cooperation.
Our two countries have an opportunity to deepen our engagement in areas like education, peace and security, let us utilise it.
Kenya and Indonesia enjoy cordial relations and have had diplomatic ties since 1982.
Excellency,
We have continued to work closely for the benefit of our two countries in multilateral forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and Afro- Asian etc.
Kenya considers Indonesia an important partner and has identified and expressed interest in opening a mission in your country. In the meantime, Mr. Bilal Asif was appointed as the Honorary Consul of Kenya early last year and we hope that the Government of Indonesia is granting him the necessary support to carry out his mandate.
Kenya like Indonesia is outward looking to have a diversified and growing economy that creates a lot of opportunities.
We look forward to the review of the JCC that was signed on 3rd December, 2008. I believe this will bring on board new areas for cooperation between Kenya and your great country.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is the untiring and unreserved efforts of special people like Ambassador Soemarno and those like him that have propelled the relations between our two countries to greater heights, and we can hope for a bright future of partnership and shared prosperity.
The very satisfactory outcomes of Ambassador Soemarno’s distinguished service to our two countries are apparent. We are seeing an unprecedented growth in our bilateral relations.
Your Excellency,
The legacy of Your Excellency’s tour of duty is cherished by all of us. The Government and people of Kenya salute you. We wish you all the very best in your next assignment, and look forward to our continuous engagement.
It is now my pleasure to toast:
To the success and good health of His Excellency Soemarno and to the friendship between the people of our two countries.
