Colombia seeks closer ties with Africa. Vice-President Francia Márquez and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laura Sarabia, held a high-level meeting in which they defined key actions within the Africa 2022-2025 Strategy. Among the commitments reached was the organisation of an official visit by President Gustavo Petro to the continent, as well as a new trip by Márquez in the second half of the year.
During the meeting, the possibility of holding a ministerial meeting between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the African Union within the framework of the next UN General Assembly was raised, as a preliminary step to a future summit of heads of state scheduled for 2026. It was also agreed to move forward with the drafting of a Conpes document establishing a Colombia-Africa foreign policy.
On the economic front, the Colombian government is studying the opening of a Procolombia office in South Africa and the promotion of exports to that market. Márquez also proposed convening national businessmen to explore business opportunities with African countries.
Cultural diplomacy was another of the axes addressed. Initiatives focused on the recognition of the African diaspora and historical reparations will be promoted, including support for 25 July as the International Day for Girls and Women of African Descent and support for measures against racial discrimination at the United Nations.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Vice-Presidency, who are responsible for following up on the commitments adopted and coordinating their implementation throughout the year.
Source: larepublica.co | @laurisarabia 04/04/2025