Ambassador Ms María del Rosario Mina-Rojas of Colombia to South Africa hosted a reception in Pretoria on 16 July to celebrate the country’s 215th anniversary of independence.
Her Excellency Ms Mina-Rojas also serves as non-resident Ambassador of Colombia to Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Gabon, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Colombia commemorates this fundamental moment in its history each year on 20 July. Independence Day honours the country’s vibrant and resilient nationhood, reflecting the spirit of freedom, sovereignty, and democracy.
“Our nation is ready to move forward in our diplomatic relations,” said Ambassador Mina-Rojas.
The third official visit of Vice President Ms Francia Márquez to Africa is scheduled for August this year, with stops in Mozambique, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. The visit is expected to open new windows of opportunity between Colombia and the African continent.
“Let us carry forward the spirit of 20 July, the spirit of freedom, justice, and the unshakable belief in a nation’s right to shape its own destiny. May Colombia continue to flourish on the foundations laid by our brave ancestors, and may the future of Colombia and South Africa grow ever closer,” said Ambassador Mina-Rojas.
Ms Phumzile Mazibuko, Chief Director for Eastern Europe and Baltic Countries at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, extended congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa.
“Today’s National Day celebration comes at a momentous and exciting time for South Africa–Colombia relations,” she said.
The week prior saw the inauguration of the first session of political consultations in Bogotá, co-chaired by Deputy Minister Mr Alvin Botes and his Colombian counterpart, Ms Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio.
Ms Mazibuko emphasised the importance of enhancing business-to-business interaction between the two countries’ private sectors. “We must encourage greater commercial engagement. South Africa looks forward to a high-level visit to Colombia in due course to build on the momentum created by this recent milestone,” she added.
The evening concluded with a celebratory toast. Guests raised glasses of pisco sours in honour of the enduring friendship between South Africa and Colombia, and to greater peace, prosperity, and cooperation across the world.
by Marion Kate
