Russian Federation

Colombia and the USSR established diplomatic relations in 1935. As a consequence of the events of April 9, 1948 in Colombia, diplomatic relations were suspended with the USSR. On January 19, 1968 those relations were restored with the Soviet Union and the Embassy in Moscow was re-opened.

Since then, the relations have been positive, trade has expanded and all kinds of cultural contacts have multiplied. In 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved and the Federated Republics that were part of it became the Community of Independent States (CIS). The Russian Federation, now independent, was proclaimed as the rightful successor of the USSR and acknowledged all international agreements that had been subscribed by its predecessor. A new stage of Russian-Colombian relations has started.

Colombia, applying the principle of State succession, stated its decision to continue the diplomatic relations it had maintained with the Soviet Union, and its support to Russia to occupy the seat of the USSR as a permanent member of the UN Security Council through a written notice issued on December 26, 1991.

This Treaty was the foundation to renew all conventions, agreements and cooperation programs previously subscribed between Colombia and the Soviet Union.

Russia is our ally in matters as sensitive as the fight against terrorism, human rights, the fight against the world drug problem, traffic in small arms and light weapons and organized international crime. Due to the size of its economy, Russia has become a market niche, thus becoming a positive alternative for our country.

Within the current Mechanisms, the Inter-Governmental Joint Commission for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technical Cooperation may be found. It was created for the observance and compliance with the Cooperation Agreement signed in 1995. Its goal is to “achieve expansion and strengthening of commercial relations between both countries and to serve as a forum for the discussion of possibilities of cooperation in other areas of mutual interest, with the participation of representatives both from the public as from the private sector”.

In addition, consultations were carried out between Vice-Ministers of Foreign Affairs in 1993. During the visit of the Russian Vice-Minister, the Protocol on Consultations between the Ministries of both countries was signed. It is an instrument seeking to maintain and promote dialogue on matters of mutual interest. The latest session for this mechanism was held in 2003.

Regarding Multi-lateral Consultations between Directors, these are carried out alternately every year.  

Through the CAN, a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism signed on May 2001 is being worked on. As a result, the first meeting was held in Moscow on May 7, 2004 and the Protocol of Political Dialogue and Cooperation CAN-Russia was signed.  At this meeting, CAN declared its interest in developing bonds with Russia on the fight against terrorism, the world drug problem, illicit traffic in small and light weapons, corruption, protection of the environment and prevention and attention of natural disasters. The Parties agreed to carry out a technical study on the mentioned proposals with the purpose of identifying ways for acceptable mutual cooperation.

Main High Level Meetings

• In November 2011, the Co-presidents of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic-Trade and Scientific-Technical Cooperation met in Bogotá. The Colombian party was led by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Mr. Mauricio Cárdenas Santamaría, and the Minister of Justice, Dr. Alexander Konovalov, led the Russian party.

• In September 2011, Foreign Minister María Ángela Holguín organized a bilateral meeting with her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in the context of the 66° Period of Sessions of the UN’s General Assembly, to address issues such as trade and investment, the reform to the Security Council, Río +20 and APEC.

• In March 2011, The Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Patti Londoño, the Director for Europe and the Director of Commercial Relations at the Ministry of Trade visited Moscow to hold Multilateral Political Consultation meetings at a Vice-ministerial level, and Bilateral Political Consultation meetings at the Directors’ level. The Vice Minister met with her Culture and Education counterparts, with whom she discussed the sectoral agenda and the possibility of new agreements in these fields.

• An official visit to Russia by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Jaime Bermudez, took place in April 2010. He was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Andrés Fernandez-Acosta. During this visit, the following were signed: Reciprocal Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters; Memorandum of Cooperation in physical culture and sports between the Russian Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy and COLDEPORTES.

• Meeting of co-Presidents at the IV Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for the Economic-Trade and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, Russian Minister of Justice, Aleksandr Konovalov and Colombian Minister of Trade, Luis Guillermo Plata (April 26-27/09).

• Official visit to Colombia by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (Nov./19/08).

• In November, 1997, a Minister of Foreign Affairs, in this case, Mr. Yevgeny Primakov, visited our country for the first time.

Main conventions and agreements in force:

• Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Education, signed on June 23, 1986.

• Scientific Cooperation Agreement between Colciencias and the Russian Academy of Sciences signed in Moscow in May 1993.
• Framework Treaty on the basis of Bilateral Relations, signed in Moscow in April, 1994, ratified in November 1977, during the visit of Foreign Minister Primakov to Colombia.
• April 9, 1994. Cooperation Agreements between the Archives of both Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and Cooperation Agreement between the Diplomatic Academies.

• Commercial Agreement, signed in Cartagena in October 1995.
• Technical-Military Agreement, for Russian assistance in matters such as weapons and military equipment provision, exchange of military technologies and of specialists and training of personnel at the Military Academies of both countries. Signed in Bogota in March 1996, in force from the date of signature, in furtherance of the above.
• Cultural and Scientific Cooperation Agreement, November 1997. In furtherance of this Agreement, the Cultural and Scientific Exchange Programs were signed for three (3) years.

• Agreement on Cooperation in the Fight against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Related Crimes, signed in Bogota in November 1997, for five (5) extended years.
• Agreement on the elimination of Visas for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports, signed on November 26, 1997 in Bogota.
• Declaration on the principles of Cooperation between Colombia and Russia on the Road to the XXI Century. Signed in Bogotá, on November 26, 1997. This develops the relations between the two (2) countries, guided by the principles and fundamental purposes such as: mutual and constructive cooperation, joint work on the postulates of the United Nations Charter, the defense and protection of Human Rights, nuclear and chemical disarmament, coordination of efforts in order to control trade in conventional weapons, development of political and economic integration processes and the fight against organized crime, among others.
• March 10, 1998. Exchange of Notes for the establishment of Military Attachés.
• April 2, 2004. Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Service of Technical-Military Cooperation of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Colombia. Taking into account the provisions of the Technical-Military Cooperation Agreement between the two countries signed on March 12, 1996, the parties agreed on strategic actions in supplies, maintenance cooperation and exchange of information, among others.
• Mutual Cooperation and Assistance Treaty between customs authorities. Signed in Moscow on April 28, 2004.
• September 7, 2004. Agreement on Cooperation between Aeronautic Authorities for navigation of aircraft made in Russia and registered before the Republic of Colombia. Signed on September 7, 2004 in Moscow. The civil aviation surveillance authorities from the two (2) countries, according to the Chicago Convention of December 1944, agreed on cooperation related to the necessary information of Russian aircraft registered in Colombia.
• Agreement on the conditions of elimination of visas in mutual trips of citizens of the Russian Federation and the citizens of the Republic of Colombia, signed in New York on 24-09-10, enforced on March 13, 2011.

Croatia

Bilateral relations were established on April 25, 2005. The Embassy of Colombia in Berlin is concurrently accredited to Croatia and the Embassy of Croatia in Brasilia is concurrently accredited to Colombia.

An Agreement for the elimination of visas for holders of diplomatic, official or service passports of the Republics of Croatia and Colombia is being studied. Likewise, there is a Memorandum of Understanding on Political consultations pending.

Croatia is an ally for Colombia in the fight against drug trafficking and international organized crime in general. Likewise, Croatian matters on reconciliation in the post-conflict phase are of special interest.

Last October 17, the Ambassador of Colombia in Austria, concurrent to Croatia, presented his Letters of Credentials to the president of that country, as part of the Nation’s bilateral relation consolidation and promotion policy. Likewise, the Government of Colombia granted its approval to the Ambassador of Croatia in Brazil, as concurrent to Colombia.

Iceland

Colombia established diplomatic relations with Iceland on September 15, 1981. Bilateral relations with Iceland are managed from our Embassy in Stockholm.

Colombia is interested in establishing a positive bilateral agenda with Iceland in matters of interest such as science and technology, culture and renewable energies, among others.

The FTA signed by Colombia with EFTA is currently pending for approval by the Iceland Parliament.

Liechtenstein

Colombia and the Principality of Liechtenstein established diplomatic relations on October 24, 2001.

The Embassy of Colombia to the Swiss Government handles the affairs of the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The Colombian Non-Resident Ambassador to the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein conducts periodic working visits to the Principality, making these relations very dynamic.

The principality of Liechtenstein is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and has an open economy which makes it a commercial partner of great importance to Colombia.

There is a Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the Principality of Liechtenstein, signed in Geneva, Switzerland on November 25, 2008, within the framework of EFTA, which was enforced on July 1, 2011, creating a new market which shall generate a significant increase in bilateral trade and investment.

Montenegro

Colombia and Montenegro established their diplomatic relations on August 12, 2011 in New York.

Colombia is interested in strengthening friendship and cooperation ties with Montenegro, and thus made a formal invitation to the Foreign Minister to visit our country in the first half of November 2011. Montenegro has not defined a date yet. 

Norway

Diplomatic relations between Colombia and Norway were established in 1935. At present, we have a Chargé d’Affaires in Oslo. The Embassy of Norway in Bogota was recently closed (30.06.2011). Residence permits in that country are handled by the Embassy of Sweden.

Several high-level Norwegian officials have visited our country in the past years among which, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Gry Larsen, as well as the Deputy General Director for Latin America, Hege Araldsen, and the Advisor of the Latin American Sector, Arne Aashein (2009). The former High Advisor for Reintegration, Mr. Frank Pearl, visited Oslo that same year.

Colombia and Norway have worked jointly sharing objectives and procedures during the preparation for the Second Review Conference of the Ottawa Convention Banning Anti-Personnel Landmines.

Approval by the Norwegian Parliament for the FTA signed by Colombia with EFTA is pending.

San Marino

Colombia and San Marino initiated diplomatic relations in April 15, 2002.

The Embassy of Colombia in Italy handles the affairs of the Government of the Republic of San Marino. Likewise, the Diplomatic Mission of the Republic of San Marino accredited to the UN in New York is concurrently accredited to the Government of Colombia.

Among the matters of interest fostering the bilateral dialogue are the cooperation programs, particularly those regarding tourism, culture, economy and trade.

Tourism is of particular importance for Colombia, since more than 2.1 million tourists visit San Marino per year, so the exchange of experiences in that matter is very interesting for Colombia in the bilateral diplomatic relations.

The Holy See

The Holy See acknowledged Colombia in 1835 as the first Latin American independent nation, an honor which conferred to our Mission a position of privilege within the Latin American Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.

The Colombian Government and the Holy See, through international treaties, have had a long-standing Agreement (Concordato) regulating the matters between the two jurisdictions. The last amendment to the Agreement was approved by Law 20, 1974, 21 years before the Reform to the Colombian Constitution in 1991.

The bilateral relations between Colombia and the Holy See have been updated according to the demands of the national society and the provisions of the Colombian Constitution and have been characterized by a close and permanent cooperation for the benefit of peace and pacific relations among the Colombian people.

Main topics in the bilateral agenda with the Holy See have been those of peace and humanitarian exchange, agreement negotiations, marriage between homosexuals, abortion, human cloning, light and small weapons, the environment and the fight against illicit drugs.

Serbia

The Embassy of Serbia in Brasilia is concurrently accredited to Colombia and the Embassy of Colombia in Vienna is in turn concurrently accredited to that country.

Serbia is a friend of Colombia and shares positions on several topics, such as the fight against terrorism and international organized crime, among others. Mutual interest in sustaining a more permanent political dialogue is reflected in many meetings and high level visits between the two countries. The official visits made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia to Colombia in April 2010 and July 2011, are to be noted.

Agreements are currently being negotiated in the areas of defense, fight against international organized crime; elimination of visas for diplomatic, official and service passports and cooperation regarding culture, education and sports.

In July 2011, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia made an official visit to Bogotá to discuss matters such as the 50^th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement, cooperation relating to security and the police, especially regarding drug trafficking, the reinforcement of bilateral relations and the possibility of opening an Embassy in Bogotá.

Regarding trade issues, a dialogue was initiated upon the visit of the Vice Minister of Trade to Belgrade in October.

Sovereign Order of Malta (Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta)

Diplomatic relations with the Sovereign Order of Malta started in 1953. From this date on, the Ambassador to the Holy See also serves as Non-Resident Ambassador to the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Diplomatic Relations of the Sovereign Order of Malta with over than 100 accredited countries, among them Colombia, are mainly related to humanitarian missions. This is a neutral, central and non-political order and, thus, may be the intermediary in resolving confrontations among countries.

The cooperation programs with the Sovereign Order of Malta that have been worked on and continue to be furthered at present include those regarding Hospital Clinica San Rafael, Pabellon Orden de Malta at the Tunal Hospital, Urbanizacion San Juan Bautista in Armero-Guayabal, Health Center in Lerida and provisions for Hospital Pediatrico La Victoria.

In May 2005, Colombia signed the Minutes of the Exchange of Instruments of Ratification of the Cooperation Treaty for Humanitarian Assistance, signed in Rome on September 30, 1999.

The Colombian Ambassador to the Holy See, César Mauricio Velásquez, submitted Credential Letters before the Sovereign Military Order of Malta on November 25, 2011. He requested the support from this Order to help the victims of the rainy season, as well as to help children and sick people from neglected regions of the country.

Swiss Confederation

Diplomatic relations between Colombia and Switzerland were formalized on March 14, 1908, with the signature of the Treaty of Friendship, Residency and Trade.

Bilateral diplomatic relations have been very active, thanks to the respective diplomatic missions and official visits to both countries, complemented by the Bilateral Political Consultation Mechanism, at the level of the Vice Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The first meeting of said Mechanism was held on March 1, 2011 with the purpose of creating a forum for open dialogue and the revision of the different instruments of the bilateral agenda. Likewise, Colombia and Switzerland have always shared their attachment to the fundamental principles of the International Law, thus creating a bond based on respect for international institutions transcending the interests of both Governments.

Main Conventions and Agreements in Force:

• Judicial Cooperation Agreement signed by President Juan Manuel Santos and the Swiss President, Micheline Calmy-Rey.
• Convention between Colombia and the Swiss Confederation to Avoid Double Taxation.
• Agreement on the Protection of Cultural Heritage.
• Agreement on Scientific, Cultural and Educational Cooperation.
• Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the Swiss Confederation signed in Geneva, Switzerland on November 25, 2008 within the framework of the EFTA, and enforced on July 1, 2011.

In summary, it has been a century of relations marked by respect, enhancement and collaboration in multiple disciplines, resulting in a particularly dynamic agenda.

Turkey

Diplomatic relations with the Republic of Turkey were established on April 10, 1959. On April 16, 2010 the Turkish Embassy opened in Bogota. Likewise, Colombia opened its Embassy in Ankara in June, 2011.

During the past few years, visits and meetings have increased: Last June 29, as a preamble to the visit of President Juan Manuel Santos to Turkey in November, the visit of the Deputy Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Selim Yenel was received during the framework of the III Meeting of Political Consultations.

There are agreements in force with Turkey on the elimination of visas in diplomatic passports; a Trade Cooperation Agreement and a Cooperation Agreement on cultural matters, apart from a High-Level Political Consultation Mechanism- Likewise, there are several agreements pending on trade and investments, security, migration, air services and technical cooperation.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. Signed in Ankara on November 18, 2011. Objectives of the agreement: cooperation between the Academies.

Agreement for the Mutual Exemption of Visas between the Governments of the Republic of Colombia and of the Republic of Turkey: it was not signed. It was just a declaration of the Presidents of Turkey and Colombia that has nothing to do with the signing of an agreement.

The Agreement for Air Services, between the Government of the Republic of Colombia and the Government of Turkey, was signed in Ankara on November 18, 2011. The agreement refers to frequency of passenger and cargo flights between both countries. 

Eurasia

From a geopolitical point of view, Eurasia occupies the geographical point between Europe and Asia, joining extensive and varied regions such as Western Europe not accepted to the European Union (Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine), South Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan) and the five Central Asian Republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). The region is a pivotal point where geographies, cultures, religions, civilizations and varied traditions converge; a source and place of transit of great energetic resources; a bridge between great trading markets and an area of transitions and multiple complexities for the international system.

Colombia established diplomatic relations with Ukraine on August 2, 1992, with Belarus on December 9, 1992 and with Moldova on October 15, 1997. Likewise, relations started with Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1994 and with Georgia on June 6, 1997. Relations with Kazakhstan started on May 27, 1992, with Kyrgyzstan on October 6, 1993, Uzbekistan on February 4, 1993 and with Turkmenistan on August 27, 1996.

By virtue of the growing geopolitical, geo-economic and geo-strategic Eurasian importance, Colombia has chosen to renew its relations with these countries, by strengthening the already existing links and constructing others regarding, among others, political dialogue, cooperation, culture and consular affairs, These actions have contributed to comply with the purpose of geographical diversification of the gamut of partners for Colombian foreign policy.

Regarding this area, it is important to highlight the Visit of the Europe Director to Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus, and Azerbaijan between June and July 2011, the accreditation of the first concurrent Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Colombia, Mr. Ilgar Mukhtarov, the carrying out of bilateral meetings at the ministerial level within the framework of the United Nations with Azerbaijan and Ukraine on the occasion of the 50 years of the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Vice-Ministerial visit to Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in October 2011

Armenia

Colombia and Armenia established diplomatic relations on December 22, 1994 through a joint document signed at the United Nations by the respective Ambassadors of both countries to that entity.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and Colombia established diplomatic relations on December 13, 1994. It was determined that our Mission in New York would be attending matters regarding bilateral issues with that country.

The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Mexico attends to the affairs of Colombia at present.

On July 7, 2011, there was a meeting of Political Consultation in Baku at the level of Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Colombia. Apart from the bilateral agenda, political, economic and commercial, educational, and science and technology matters were dealt with, as well as a review of Multi-lateral affairs.

On the other hand, the accreditation of the First Ambassador from Azerbaijan to Colombia, Ilgar Mukhtarov, took place on August 30. The Ambassador lives in Mexico and is concurrent to Colombia.

Likewise, on September 20, 2011, a fruitful dialogue between the Chancellors of both countries took place. As a result, they signed two agreements that will promote harmonization and dialogue between both countries.

To conclude, the Vice-Ministers of Multilateral Affairs, International Trade and Infrastructure, along with the Director for Europe, held meetings with the public, private and academic sectors within the framework of the Vice-Ministerial Tour that took place in October 2011. During this visit, the importance of strengthening political dialogue, increasing trade and investment, and encouraging cooperation in areas such as Hydrocarbons, Agricultural Development, Science and Innovation and Telecommunications was emphasized. In addition, it was concluded that there are opportunities for the exchange of points of view in multilateral scenarios.  

During the visit, the Colegio del Cuerpo performed at the Russian Drama Theatre, and the First Cultural Week of Azerbaijan was announced for 2012.

Agreements Signed

• Agreements on the reciprocal abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports signed in New York in September 2011;
• Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a political consultation mechanism signed in New York on September 20, 2011;
• Memorandum of Understanding for the cooperation between Diplomatic Academies signed in Baku on October 14.

Belarus

On December 9, 1992 Colombia acknowledged and established diplomatic relations with Belarus. On May 19, 1998 a Protocol of Cooperation was signed between the relevant Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

A “Cooperation Agreement between the Chambers of Commerce of Bogota and Belarus” was entered into in December 2008 and the signatory on behalf of Colombia was the then President of the Chamber of Commerce, Maria Fernanda Campo.

Reactivation of the political dialogue should be highlighted for the present year 2011. Thus a Belarus delegation, headed by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aleynik Serguey Fiedorovich, along with a representative of the Ministry of Industry, of a consultant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and two businessmen of the mentioned country, held a work visit to Bogota in May. The agenda included meetings with the Vice Ministers of multi-lateral affairs, transportation, agriculture, communications, trade, mines and Proexport. 

On the other hand, in July, 2011, a meeting on Political Consultation at the level of Directors of the Republic of Belarus and Colombia was held in Minsk. Apart from a review of the bilateral agenda, political, economic and commercial, educational, and science and technology matters were dealt with, as well as a review of Multi-lateral affairs. Meetings were held as well with Mr. S.F. Aleinik, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and with the Deputy Director for America, Head of the Department of Latin America from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Victor V. Kózintsev.

On September 5, in the context of the 50^th Anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement – NAM, a meeting took place in Belgrade between Foreign Minister María Ángela Holguín and her counterpart from Belarus, Sergei Martynov.

On October 9 and 10, the first visit by a Colombian delegation of Vice Ministers, namely, the Vice Ministers of Multilateral Affairs, Foreign Trade and Infrastructure and the Director for Europe, took place in Minsk. This visit was part of a high-level vice-ministerial tour to Eurasia. It was also part of the strategy of diversification and rapprochement to non-traditional partners, with the purpose of presenting a positive agenda of Colombia that would boost areas such as trade, businesses, investment and tourism. The visit, which included meetings with the corresponding counterparts, businesspersons, investors, the media and the academia, also fostered the discussion of several subjects of interest to Colombia, including those relating to politics, the economy, trade, culture, education, agricultural cooperation, intelligent transportation systems, energy and infrastructure development.

Belarus, on the other hand, is particularly important to Colombia in its purpose of establishing privileged trade relations with the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, to reinforce the commercial links with those countries, leading to the definition of a particular, convenient scenario, considering that they are not members of the WTO, except for Russia, who will be admitted by the end of 2011.

The following agreements are currently under negotiation: Technical Cooperation Agreement, Cultural Cooperation Agreement, Visa exemption agreement for the holders of diplomatic passports and an Economic and Commercial Agreement. Furthermore, exchanges of business visits, as well as the visit to Belarus by other high-level officials of the agricultural and mining and energy sectors are expected, given the potential of that country.

Georgia

Colombia and Georgia established diplomatic relations on June 6, 1997. Georgia opened its Embassy in Brazil in 2010, from which it covers relations with countries in South America. Georgia requested to accredit the Head of the Diplomatic Mission of that country as concurrently accredited to Colombia through our UN Mission.

Georgia’s President, MIJEÍL SAAKASHVILI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  GRIGOL VASHADZE visited Colombia in August 2010 for the  Presidential inauguration, where they met President Juan Manuel Santos and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Angela Holguin.

Kazakhstan

As part of the strategy for the diversification of external interlocutors, the Chancellery has worked towards a rapprochement with that country, which has achieved a successful regional and global positioning associated to its energy-related and mineral resources, to its privileged geographic location for the transportation of goods and people, to its favorable economic performance and to its leadership in the regional organizations, in multilateral fora and to its dialogue with great global powers.

Although Colombia and Kazakhstan initiated relations on May 27, 1992, they are expected to be re-launched by increasing the levels of political dialogue through the visit of the Director for Europe in June 2011; the meeting of the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Havana during that same month; the High Level Vice-Ministerial Visit carried out in October 2011, and the Meeting of the Directors in Buenos Aires in December 2011.

The October 2011 Vice-Ministerial Tour included the participation of the Vice-Ministers of Multilateral Affairs, Foreign Trade and Infrastructure, as well as the participation of the Director for Europe. During those conversations the great potential of the relations between both countries was discussed, including cooperation possibilities in areas such as mining and energy, infrastructure, the environment, climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, culture, science and technology. 

In addition, Colombia wishes to explore ways to increase the exchange of goods and services with the Customs Union between Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia, and in the near future with Kyrgyzstan. Currently, this Union represents a market of 164 million people and US$2.5 billion.  

To date, several sectorial Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements are being negotiated. Likewise, it is expected to promote entrepreneurial and business trips. 

Ukraine

The Ambassadors of Colombia and Ukraine to the United Nations, Luis Fernando Jaramillo-Correa and Víctor H. Batiouk, signed a protocol for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on August 20, 1992 in New York.

The communiqué highlights that Colombia, as well as Ukraine, are convinced that the establishment of diplomatic relations corresponds to the interests of both countries and that it shall facilitate strengthening of international cooperation and universal peace. 

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Colombia on matters of cooperation on December 1, 2000.

Visits and meetings:

• On October 11 and 12, 2011 the first Colombian delegation at a vice-ministerial level, including the Vice Ministers of Multilateral Affairs, Foreign Trade and Infrastructure, along with the Director for Europe, visited Kiev. This visit was part of a high-level vice-ministerial tour to Eurasia.
• On September 24, 2011, in the framework of the UN Assembly in New York, Colombian Foreign Minister María Ángela Holguín met with her Ukrainian counterpart Kostyantyn Gryschenko.
• In Kiev, on July 6, 2011 a meeting on Political Consultation was held at the level of Directors of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Colombia. Apart from the revision of the bilateral agenda, political, economic and commercial, cultural, educational, science and technology matters were dealt with as well as a review of Multi-lateral affairs.
• The Ukrainian Chargé d’Affairs to Lima visited Colombia along with a state delegation on April 7, 2011. They met with the Deputy Foreign Minister Monica Lanzetta and officials from the Ministry of Defense and the Office of the Prosecutor General.
• On January/2010, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jaime Bermudez met in London with his then counterpart from Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko. They stated their interest in strengthening the bonds between the two countries, the signature of the Friendship and Cooperation Agreement and in increasing promotion of tourism.
• Lima, June-2010. Minister Bermudez met with the Chargé d’Affairs of Ukraine in Peru, Mr. Viktor Kharaminskyi, during the 40^th Regular Period of Sessions of the OAS.
• August/2010 the Ambassador of Ukraine in Brazil, Mr. Ihor Grushko, attended as delegate from his country to the Presidential inauguration in Colombia.
• Bilateral meeting between Ministers of Foreign Affairs Barco and Boris Tarasyuk, Santiago de Chile, April, 2005.
• Political Consultations, Bogotá, (Oct-13-04): Revision of the bilateral agenda at the level of Directors of the two Ministries. Meetings with the Civil Aviation Director, Vice Minister of National Education, Hydrocarbons Director, Trade Relations Director from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism were held.