South Africa is Colombia's African Gateway

10 March 2015

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers has concluded his Official Visit to Bogota, the Republic of Colombia.

During his visit to Bogota, Deputy Minister held  a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Ms Patti Londoño.  Amongst the issues discussed during the meeting, Deputy Minister Landers conveyed South Africa´s interest in opening an Embassy in Bogota.

The meeting  concluded with the  two countries signing  a Memorandum  of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of  Colombia. The MoU is important as it will play a significant role in providing structure to relations, especially considering the opportunities in both countries e.g. trade and investment, social development and  sharing of best practices, as well as cooperating in multilateral organisations.

Relations between South Africa and Colombia were established in 1994 and Colombia opened a resident Embassy in 1995. Bilateral relations between South Africa and Colombia are cordial and growing. Colombia has since 2012 decided to prioritise South Africa and referred to the country as the African Gateway.

DIRCO