Representatives of the diplomatic corps, UAE authorities, businessmen and members of the Hispanic-American community attended last Thursday the first official celebration of Colombia’s National Day in the UAE.
The event, which took place at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi and was attended by more than a hundred people, demonstrates the progress of relations between the UAE and Colombia.
During his speech, the Colombian Ambassador to the UAE, Luis Miguel Merlano, said that the collaborations in various sectors “reflect a solid and multifaceted relationship that continues growing and benefiting both nations.”
He also mentioned the recent launch of the Emirates Dubai-Bogota flight, “which has strengthened connectivity between nations, facilitating tourism and commercial exchange”.
The ambassador also referred to the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries in April 2024 in Bogota, the first agreement of its kind that Colombia has signed w
ith an Arab country. According to the Ambassador, this “cooperation instrument, which is about to begin its ratification stage by the Congress of the Republic, helps to protect and promote trade and cultural relations”.
He also cited other recently developed agreements in artificial intelligence, supercomputing, the environment, technology, education, health and the cultural sector.
The diplomat also referred to recent investments that the UAE has made in Colombia in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, “which have strengthened economic ties and promoted development”.
He also spoke about “the increase in cultural exchange” with the “organisation of events that showcase Colombia’s art, music and gastronomy.” Here, he highlighted the show TravesÃa, by the Cayena Colfolk company, which premiered in Dubai. It tells the story of two UAE journalists who embark on a journey to Colombia to discover its different regions and the impressive beauty, diversity, and cultural richness of the country.
“These ty
pes of events have fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of our cultural diversity,” the ambassador noted.
Finally, Merlano expressed his gratitude to the UAE for donating a first class hospital to the Colombian department of La Guajira, a region with many needs.
The National Day celebration featured various traditional dance performances and a tasting of Colombian cuisine.
The United Arab Emirates is currently Colombia’s most important trading partner in the Middle East. Diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1976.
Source : Emirates News Agency
