Colombia seeks stronger ties with UAE

Abu Dhabi: Colombia seeks to strengthen cooperation with the UAE in all political, economic and cultural areas, said Jaime Bermudez, Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Saying he was very impressed by the pace of development, Bermudez added: "The UAE has a lot of potential. We truly respect your determination to progress and [be] a key player in the region. Colombia sees the UAE as a key country for us. You are a very significant opportunity for countries like Colombia."

Bermudez heads a high-level delegation on a visit to the UAE, including Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Luis Plata and Minister of Mines and Energy Hernan Martinez.

He told Gulf News the two countries share the same interests. "I think you are becoming the hub for Latin America in the Gulf and the Middle East and we hope that Colombia could become a hub for the Gulf region in Latin America. We are here because we should get closer to the UAE and we want you to know that Colombia could be a great partner for you in Latin America.

"We need to get closer, we need to do more business, we want more investors from this country in Colombia."

Bermudez said his country will open an embassy in the UAE early next year.

"We are very much interested in strengthening our political and diplomatic ties and the best way to start with is to open up an embassy here. I understand the UAE is going to open [its] diplomatic representation in Colombia in 2011."

GCC trade

Bermudez said his country was also interested in starting negotiations on a free-trade agreement with the GCC, in addition to agreements pertaining to protection of investments and the avoidance of dual taxation.

He added the Colombian delegation is trying to determine the best ways for the two countries to get closer and strengthen their relationship.