Colombia, Vietnam celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties

Speaking at a recent anniversary ceremony in Colombia’s capital city of Bogota, Deputy Foreign Minister Londono highlighted Vietnam as an important partner of Colombia in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrated by Foreign Minister Maria Holguin choosing Vietnam as the first Asian nation to visit in February 2012.

“Colombia priotizes stepping up political, cultural and educational cooperation with Vietnam by sending its teachers of Spanish language and art troupes to regularly participate in the Hue Festival. The two countries have maintained regular meetings of senior leaders at international conferences as well as mutual support and assistance at regional and international forums, particularly at the South-South Cooperation Forum.” Londono said.

For his part, Vietnam Ambassador to Venezuela concurrently Colombia, Ngo Tien Dung expressed his delight at the vigorous development of the Vietnam-Colombia relations, especially over the past 4 years with exchange visits by diplomats and strengthened cooperation in education and cultural exchange to deepen mutual  understanding.

Ambassador Dung praised Colombia for opening its embassy in Hanoi while affirming the nation’s recognition of importance to furthering comprehensive relations with Colombia as both nations boast huge potential for expanded economic and trade cooperation.

Dung also reiterated the letter of President Truong Tan Sang inviting his Colombian counterpart Manuel Santos to visit Vietnam and hoped the two foreign ministries to arrange the trip as soon as possible.

Within the framework of activities celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Vietnam Embassy has cooperated with relevant Colombian agencies to organize a broad range of practical cultural activities featuring culinary art and exhibiting photos, paintings cultural artifacts of Vietnam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia and a traditional music performance.

The aforesaid activities have been widely covered by the media in Colombia, helping promote the image of Vietnamese land and people in the South American nation.

VOV