A historic day in diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Colombia has been celebrated with the official opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This event marks not only the establishment of a diplomatic mission but also the realization of the shared aspirations of both peoples to connect, understand one another, and progress together in mutual respect and cooperation.
Colombia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia share fundamental values, including respect for sovereignty, a commitment to peace, and a focus on balanced development that benefits both nations. The embassy is expected to serve as a bridge to strengthen bilateral relations, promote political, economic, and cultural cooperation, and open new channels for trade and mutual investment.
On the sidelines of this momentous occasion, I had the exceptional opportunity to meet with the President of Colombia, H.E. Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego. President Petro Urrego articulated his vision for a Colombia that is open to the world, committed to dialogue, peace, and building a society grounded in social and environmental justice. When asked about the impact of Colombia’s representation in Saudi Arabia through the embassy on bilateral relations, President Urrego acknowledged that while the two countries are geographically distant, this distance is becoming smaller every day.
“As we strengthen our leadership, we are fostering deeper integration, and Saudi Arabia can lead a more tangible form of this integration. I believe this is the most important aspect. Such efforts will undoubtedly contribute to increased trade and promote tourism. Our economies are complementary rather than competitive, with mutually beneficial investments at the core of our future cooperation.”
His Excellency President also highlighted the potential for business collaboration between Saudi and Colombian companies, noting that coffee and cocoa present prime opportunities for successful partnerships. “Coffee and cocoa could thrive on Colombia’s west coast, which is connected by sea to Saudi Arabia. This region serves as a vital link between our two nations, creating even more avenues for cooperation.”
As Saudi Arabia moves rapidly toward its Vision 2030, President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego reflected on the opportunities Colombia can offer to contribute to this vision and elevate the bilateral partnership. He emphasized that people-to-people ties must be central to this contribution.
“There is both a natural and a human blend in this contribution – a fusion of diversity reflected in culture, art, music, and literature that, while contrasting between our two societies, has the potential to unite us for the greater good,” stated President Urrego.
The final question of this exclusive interview focused on President Petro Urrego’s impressions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He responded: “Saudi Arabia possesses a unique kind of beauty. This country exemplifies human resilience that has grown even more remarkable over time. Despite all the modernization, its inherent beauty remains incredibly profound.”
