Colombia and the EU hold the 8th High Level Political Dialogue

(Bogota, November 18, 2022). The VIII High Level Political Dialogue between Colombia and the European Union (EU) was held in Bogotá D.C., Colombia, on November 18, 2022, chaired by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Ambassador Francisco Coy Granados and the Director for the Americas of the European External Action Service of the European Union, Javier Niño.

The Dialogue was dynamic and fruitful, and during it, the parties reaffirmed their shared values and interests and their desire to continue deepening the bilateral relationship, which, in the current international geopolitical context, is consolidating as a long-range strategic relationship. In this regard, Colombia and the European Union took an important step forward by inaugurating exploratory consultations in preparation for the negotiations of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. The European Union confirmed its willingness to start negotiations in the first half of 2023, once the formal prerequisites have been completed.

As the first high-level Political Dialogue since the beginning of President Gustavo Petro Urrego’s administration, the new government’s domestic and foreign policy priorities were presented. The European Union recognized the progress made in the first 100 days of government, stating that peace, the environment and social justice are mutual priorities.

The European Union highlighted its commitment to the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement and its interest and support for the purpose of achieving Total Peace. In this context, Colombia and the European Union consider that gender equality promoted in the Women, Peace and Security agenda (resolution 1325) is fundamental.

Colombia and the European Union highlighted the dynamism of the relationship, noting that, since the previous edition of this Dialogue, held in February 2022, structured dialogues were established on the environment, climate action and sustainable development, and drugs; while the sectoral roundtables instituted at the last meeting are moving forward. The Parties agreed to hold, as soon as possible, editions of the dialogues on human rights, drugs and security and defense. The latter, together with the III Bi-regional Seminar on Security and Defense EU/South America plus Mexico.

The parties also addressed other issues on the bilateral agenda. In the area of cooperation, Colombia expressed its appreciation for the financial support announced by the European Union and expressed its interest in continuing to coordinate the implementation of cooperation in accordance with the country’s priorities.

On economic and trade matters, note was taken of the trade dynamics and the Multiparty agreement, which reaches its tenth anniversary in 2023, and it was agreed to continue working to address common challenges within the framework of the current international context and the objectives of economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The Ambassador of the European Union in Colombia visits Bucaramanga

The parties also discussed energy and food security issues, noting, among other things, agreement on energy transition.

On the issue of migration, Colombia welcomed the announcement made by the European Union Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, in Panama City on October 12, 2022, to co-host the International Conference of solidarity with refugees and migrants from Venezuela and with host communities, during the first quarter of 2023.

They also discussed priority issues in the multilateral framework and agreed that for the IX Dialogue, the topics of gender, youth, ethnic populations and those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities will be addressed.

Finally, the parties held an exchange on issues of common interest at the regional and multilateral levels. They valued the results of the third meeting of CELAC-EU Foreign Ministers, held in Buenos Aires on October 27, 2022, strengthening bi-regional relations and representing an important step towards the bi-regional Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in 2023.

The parties confirmed their shared views on common challenges such as the urgency of continuing to work to address climate change, the strengthening of democracy and multilateralism, and the need for a safer world. In this area, Colombia and the European Union reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and their firm commitment to international peace and security and the rules-based multilateral order, which they are determined to defend in the various forums of the United Nations.

The European Union thanked Colombia for once again hosting the political dialogue, and it was agreed that the next meeting will be held in Brussels, Belgium, on a date to be agreed in 2023.

Source: European External Action Service