Colombia sees Azerbaijan as gateway to Eurasian cooperation—envoy

Colombia sees Azerbaijan as a key partner in the South Caucasus and the wider Eurasian region and is committed to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, Colombian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Nelsy Raquel Munar Jaramillo said during a reception marking Colombia's National Day.

The ambassador said the two countries have built a strong and friendly relationship since establishing diplomatic ties on December 13, 1994, grounded in mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and shared interests, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

She described the opening of the Colombian Embassy in Baku in 2014 as a major milestone in the development of bilateral relations.

Munar Jaramillo noted that Azerbaijan and Colombia have maintained a productive political consultation mechanism since 2011, with the sixth round of talks held in Baku in April 2026, alongside an active framework for consular consultations.

Highlighting the role of people-to-people ties, the ambassador said cultural and educational exchanges continue to serve as the strongest links between the two nations.

"Culture and education remain the strongest bridges connecting our peoples. For many years, the embassy has actively promoted Colombian literature, music, and the Spanish language in Azerbaijan by organizing exhibitions, literary events, concerts, and academic programs. In June 2026, the 14th annual Spanish-language course for Azerbaijani diplomats and civil servants began. This year, we have also seen growing interest among Colombian students in studying in Azerbaijan. In 2025, we launched cooperation with the ASAN agency in the fields of public services and social innovation, and this partnership is developing successfully. In addition, our parliaments maintain strong ties," Munar Jaramillo said.

Looking ahead, she announced that a delegation of Colombian writers, poets, editors, and publishers is scheduled to visit Azerbaijan in October.

The ambassador also revealed plans for one of the embassy's flagship cultural events later this year.

"In December, we will present one of the embassy's largest cultural initiatives—a concert of Colombian music performed by the Uzeyir Hajibayli Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall," she said.

Munar Jaramillo added that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand on the multilateral stage.

"Colombia and Azerbaijan continue to support one another and jointly advocate for strengthening peace, sustainable development, respect for international law, and security. We intend to further expand our cooperation within international organizations," she concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva