Koster made the commitment during a meeting Thursday with Georgian Ambassador to Indonesia Tornike Nozadze, who voiced concerns over the lack of consular services for Georgian nationals in Bali.
“Thank you for your visit, Ambassador. I will help by assigning someone to identify a suitable location for the honorary consulate,” Koster said.
He expressed hope that the consulate would open new avenues for cooperation between Bali and Georgia, particularly in culture, tourism, and investment.
During the meeting, the Bali Provincial Government showcased one of its traditional local products—arak Bali, a Balinese distilled alcoholic drink—which Koster presented to Nozadze.
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In return, the ambassador gifted the governor a bottle of Chateau Mukhrani, a renowned Georgian wine. The exchange symbolized friendship and cultural diplomacy between the two regions.
Ambassador Nozadze expressed his gratitude to the Bali provincial government for the warm welcome and took the opportunity to formally seek the governor’s endorsement for establishing an honorary consulate on the island.
He noted that Georgia had long awaited such a meeting, emphasizing that a significant number of Georgian citizens regularly travel to Bali, with several already operating businesses—particularly in the construction and hospitality sectors.
Highlighting a recent increase in Georgian nationals in the region, Nozadze stressed the urgent need for formal diplomatic representation to address their consular needs more effectively.
He cited data showing that over 300,000 Georgian citizens had been recorded in Bali in recent months, underscoring the importance of having an official presence to support the growing community.
Both sides expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen bilateral ties and serve as a platform for deeper collaboration between Bali and Georgia.
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Translator: Muliantari, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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