Jakarta (Indonesia Window) - The Indonesian government has officially appointed Ebrahim Patel as the Honorary Consul based in Durban, South Africa to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria received by Indonesia Window her on Wednesday.

The Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa, Salman Al Farisi, stated that the presence of the Indonesian honorary consul was a reflection of the seriousness of the Indonesian government in enhancing bilateral cooperation with South Africa, especially KwaZulu Natal province.

Ebrahim Patel acts as a bridge between Indonesian stakeholders and their South African counterparts to meet the interests of the two countries, particularly in the economic, trade and tourism sectors.

“Durban is one of the main port cities in South Africa which has wide market access to, not only South Africa but also the surrounding countries. Therefore, Indonesia considers Durban as a strategic location that has potentials for high economic cooperation," Ambassador Salman said.

On that occasion the Indonesian Ambassador held a meeting with KwaZulu-Natal province’s premier and a member of the executive board, Nomusa Dube Ncube, to discuss efforts to increase bilateral cooperation after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reporting by Indonesia Window