QNA
The State of Qatar and the friendly Republic of Colombia enjoy strong and solid relations which have witnessed remarkable development for decades, contributing to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, and upgrading them to build fruitful strategic partnerships, and launching promising areas and horizons for the Qatari and Colombian economies in a way that serves the common ambitions and aspirations of the two countries and their people for growth, prosperity and progress.
These relations are based on common interests and mutual respect, in addition to many agreements signed between the two countries. The mutual visits between Doha and Bogota, especially at the leadership level, demonstrate the two countries keenness to strengthen bilateral relations and develop cooperation in various fields.
In this context, the visit of President of the Republic of Colombia H E Gustavo Petro to the country is considered an important step towards achieving a broader strategic partnership, including economy, trade, tourism and investment, in addition to enhancing political and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will meet H E the President at the Amiri Diwan, where they will discuss relations between the two countries and ways to support them and develop cooperation mechanisms. This stems from the State of Qatars keenness to expand its international partnerships in a way that serves its aspirations, interests and the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, and contribute to supporting global development in general.
H H the Amir paid an official visit to Colombia twice. The first was in July 2016 and the second in November 2024 as part of a tour of several Latin American countries that included Brazil and Costa Rica. The visit was an important step and a new start for relations between the two friendly countries, and drew a joint roadmap to develop areas and mechanisms of cooperation between the two parties.
A joint statement issued by Qatar and Colombia on the occasion of H H the Amir’s visit: “H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and H H Gustavo Petro, President of the Republic of Colombia, held bilateral discussions on November 20, 2024, at the Narino Palace in Bogota. The leaders, joined by high-level ministers including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Transport, Energy and Communications, reaffirmed the strength of the Qatar-Colombia partnership and their shared commitment to expand cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.” The statement also said: “Qatar welcomed Colombia’s announcement to establish an embassy in Doha, marking a significant advancement in diplomatic relations. Both sides witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on economic, commercial, and technical cooperation, which will facilitate joint initiatives and promote exchange visits between business leaders and chambers of commerce.” The two governments signed additional memorandums of understanding in tourism, ports, sports, and news exchange to strengthen bilateral engagement across various sectors. Colombia expressed interest in developing initiatives to support health and education, particularly in remote areas and conflict-affected regions.
The Qatari-Colombian joint statement further said: “Both sides agreed to advance discussions toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Colombia presented a roadmap for negotiations, building on discussions held during COP 28 in Dubai in December 2023. To strengthen trade and investment ties, both countries agreed to establish a dialogue between Colombia’s National Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN) and its Qatari counterpart to enhance cooperation in taxation and customs matters.” Regarding peace and stability, the statement emphasized the importance of achieving a permanent and sustainable cessation of hostilities, upholding international law and international humanitarian law regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, securing the release of hostages, and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Colombia commended Qatar’s diplomatic role in promoting regional peace and stability, including its mediation efforts. Qatar appreciated Colombia’s steadfast support for a two-state solution and its opposition to illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
As part of the bilateral visits between the two countries, the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani visited the Republic of Colombia in February 2013, during a tour that included three South American countries: Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. This visit was a key milestone in the development of cooperative relations between the two countries. During the visit, discussions were held on bilateral relations and ways to support and enhance them across various fields. Several agreements and MoU were signed, including an air services agreement, a memorandum of understanding in the sports field, a memorandum of understanding between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Colombian Chamber of Commerce, a memorandum of understanding in the mining sector, and a memorandum of understanding in the field of investment.
In October of last year, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Colombia’s Foreign Minister H E Luis Gilberto Murillo at the Amiri Diwan. During the meeting, they reviewed the cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and enhance it, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Additionally, the first round of political consultations between the foreign ministers of both countries was held in Bogota, Colombia last October to strengthen political coordination between the two countries.
Furthermore, Minister of State for Energy Affairs H E Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met in Doha with Colombia’s Foreign Minister H E Luis Gilberto Murillo in Doha during October to review bilateral relations and energy cooperation between Qatar and Colombia.
In December, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Colombia signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance and develop cooperation in the fields of education, higher education, and scientific research, which highlight both sides’ desire to strengthen their distinguished relations, especially cooperation in education, higher education, and scientific research, based on mutual interests and in line with the goals and objectives outlined in the memorandum.
As part of the cooperation and consultation between the two countries in international forums and issues, representatives of the governments of the State of Qatar, Colombia, and Finland emphasized in January 2022 the need for the swift implementation of the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda worldwide. This was highlighted in a high-level statement issued by the representatives of the three governments at the conclusion of the High Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes, which was held virtually from Jan. 19 to 21, 2022. The conference was a joint initiative of the governments of the State of Qatar, Finland, and Colombia.
The Republic of Colombia is located in the northwestern part of South America, covering an area of 1,138,000 square kilometers, with a population of over 52 million people. Colombia is the third-largest economy in South America and one of the largest producers of coffee and flowers in the world.
