Azernews.Az

JAKARTA – The Indonesian Foreign Ministry opened eleven diplomatic missions around the world to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance economic potential, Xinhua reported.

The eleven representatives consist of Permanent Envoy of Republic of Indonesia in the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, embassies in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Oman, Mozambique, Panama, Ecuador, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and a consulate in Tawau of Malaysia.

Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that the existence of the representatives is expected to increase bilateral ties in various fields, including providing service and legal protection for Indonesian migrant workers overseas.

"With the opening of the 11 representatives, now Indonesia has 130 representatives worldwide," Natalegawa said.

Natalegawa said the opening of the Indonesian mission in the Caucasus and Central Asia - Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan -is a very important step, since both countries are rich in energy resources.

"It means that this could help us achieve energy security," he said.

The Azerbaijani Embassy in Indonesia was opened in 2005.

Natalegawa also told reporters that in the future, Indonesia plans to open diplomatic missions in 21 countries. He said Indonesia aims to build representatives around the world except in Israel, citing its support for Palestine's independence.