The diplomatic relationship between the UAE and Colombia has officially reached an extraordinary new level of mutual collaboration and strategic alignment. In a powerful demonstration of this enduring international partnership, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, attended the official inauguration ceremony of Abelardo de la Espriella, the newly elected President of the Republic of Colombia, representing the UAE Government on this momentous occasion.
Conveying High-Level Congratulations
During the high-profile ceremony held in the city of Cali, Al Hashimy personally conveyed the warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The UAE leadership extended their absolute best wishes to President De la Espriella, hoping for the continued progress, stability, and prosperity of the Colombian people under his newly formed administration.
The inauguration itself marked a significant ideological pivot for the South American nation. In his maiden presidential speech, sourced from The Hindu, President De la Espriella emphasized a robust new direction for the country, stating: “I have come to close a long chapter of national resignation and, together with the people, embark on the most profound transformation of our destiny”. Highlighting his administrative priorities, he further added, “I send a firm message to the Colombian people: the time has come to restore order, authority, and freedom”.
Celebrating Half a Century of Diplomatic Relations
This vital diplomatic visit arrives at an incredibly auspicious time. In November 2026, the UAE and Colombia will proudly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their formal diplomatic relations. Recognizing this impending golden jubilee, both nations reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to advancing a much deeper and significantly more comprehensive partnership. This historic milestone serves as the perfect opportunity to reflect on five decades of mutual respect, while simultaneously aligning shared commercial and geopolitical priorities for the future.
To maximize the socioeconomic benefits of this milestone, the UAE and Colombia emphasized the critical importance of expanding cooperation across key industries. Strategic focus areas include dynamic economic and investment partnerships, the energy sector, and emerging commercial tech markets. Both governments are actively exploring fresh opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties, aiming to elevate trade volumes and drive sustainable growth for both countries and their citizens.
Expanding Latin American Strategic Partnerships
Beyond the core inauguration festivities, Al Hashimy utilized the international gathering to foster broader diplomatic engagements. She conducted a series of highly productive meetings with top-tier Colombian officials, including the President of the Colombian Senate, Honorio Henríquez; former President of Colombia, Álvaro Uribe Vélez; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar Bula Escobar; and Minister of Finance, Miguel Gómez Martínez.
Furthermore, her itinerary included vital bilateral discussions with senior leaders from across the continent. She met with Alfonso Carlos Esteba Garcés, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru; Pablo Quirno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina; Fernando Aramayo, Minister of the Presidency of Bolivia; and Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay.
These extensive dialogues powerfully highlighted the UAE’s rapidly expanding economic and diplomatic footprint in Latin America. Discussions consistently centered on regional and international developments, alongside identifying innovative pathways to broaden collaboration in trade and investment. Al Hashimy firmly reiterated that Latin America remains a highly valued strategic partner, reaffirming the UAE’s steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable, long-term alliances founded on mutual respect, shared global priorities, and the unified pursuit of inclusive economic development.
