The Embassy of Colombia in Pretoria celebrated the 214th anniversary of independence on 25th July 2024 at the official residence of the Ambassador of Colombia. H.E. Ms Maria del Rosario Mina-Rojas welcomed guests to the event.

Colombia has a population of approximately 52 million and is the third largest country in the Americas with people of African descent. The country boasts nine UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Sites, which include six cultural sites, two natural sites, and one mixed site.

With its privileged geographical location bordered by two oceans, Colombia enjoys tremendous trade opportunities with the African continent, although improved connectivity is needed. Colombia is also playing an important role in transformative and progressive political dynamics at both regional and interregional levels.

“We are very committed to strengthening our foreign policy, promoting the rights of women, youth, and girls on the multilateral stage,” said H.E. Ms Mina-Rojas.

A delegation from the “She Exports Africa” programme, comprising 24 women-led companies, will visit South Africa in late August. This visit represents the fulfilment of one of the objectives following Vice President Francia Márquez’s visit in 2023 and reflects Colombia’s growing economic engagement.

Colombia will host the first global conference to end violence against children, which will take place in Bogotá on 7th and 8th November 2024, demonstrating Colombia’s commitment to protecting future generations.

Regarding climate change and the environmental agenda, Colombia played a key role in the decision to create a loss and damage fund for vulnerable countries during COP28 last year.

South Africa and Colombia have enjoyed 30 years of diplomatic relations. More than 200 Colombian families reside in South Africa, with professionals in a variety of fields including engineering, medicine, entrepreneurship, the arts, and research. The Colombian community embraces the principle of Ubuntu and has established strong, meaningful ties with South Africa.

“We are actively promoting people-to-people diplomacy through high-level cultural and academic interactions,” said H.E. Ms Mina-Rojas.

A rugby delegation from Colombia will visit South Africa in November to promote sport as a way to inspire and empower younger generations.

Honourable Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, congratulated Colombia on behalf of the Government of National Unity and the people of South Africa. During Nelson Mandela Month, he reminded the international community that “united, we can work towards making the world a better place amidst geopolitical challenges.”

Mr Hlengwa emphasised that South Africa is honoured to call Colombia a friend and respected partner since the establishment of diplomatic relations. These relations were further strengthened by the timely and historic visit of H.E. Vice President Márquez, accompanied by the Minister of Culture, Deputy Ministers of Higher Education and Tourism, as well as business leaders, artists, and stakeholders from the education, science, technology, and innovation sectors. Importantly, South Africa was the first country Vice President Márquez visited since the administration of President Gustavo Petro, who took office in August 2022.

A significant outcome of the official visit was the commitment to launch a political consultation mechanism, with agreed areas of cooperation in agribusiness, arts, culture, defence, defence industries, education, mining, energy, science and innovation, sports, tourism, and transport.

South Africa’s relations with Colombia align with the country’s foreign policy pillar of South-South cooperation. South Africa wishes Colombia success in preparing to host the high-level segment of the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP16, in October 2024.

Guests enjoyed traditional performances, cuisine, and Colombian drinks to complement the celebrations.

by Marion Kate