Indonesia to informally upgrade its relations with Israel via ambassador-ranked diplomat in Ramallah
Israel and Indonesia already maintain quiet trade, tourism and security contacts; new envoy’s appointment will smooth contacts with world’s most populous Muslim nation, source tells Times of Israel
Indonesia is to open a consulate in Ramallah, headed by a diplomat with the rank of ambassador, who will also unofficially serve as his country’s point man for contacts with Israel, The Times of Israel learned on Friday.
The move represents a de facto upgrading of relations between Israel and the world’s most populous Muslim country, and was agreed upon after sensitive deliberations that continued for five years, a source who was involved in the process said. He said Australian politicians, from more than one party, were also “in the picture” as the deliberations continued.
Indonesia has formally presented the move to open a West Bank consulate as a demonstration of its support for Palestinian independence.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/indonesia-to-informally-upgrade-its-relations-with-israel-via-ambassador-ranked-diplomat-in-ramallah/
