Canada–Colombia relations

The nations of Canada and Colombia established diplomatic relations in 1953.[1] Both nations are members of the Organization of American States, OECD and the United Nations.

Canada–Colombia relations
Map indicating locations of Canada and Colombia

Canada

Colombia

History

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Diplomatic relations between Canada and Colombia began in 1950 and were formalized in 1953.[1][2] In 1963, Canada opened an embassy in Bogotá.[3]

In 1968, Canadian Foreign Minister Mitchell Sharp led a delegation to Colombia, becoming the first high-level ministerial visit from Canada to Colombia.[4] In 1984, Colombian Foreign Minister, Rodrigo Hernán Lloreda Caicedo, paid a visit to Canada and met with his counterpart Allan MacEachen. During the visit, both nations discussed the Central American peace process and the efforts of the Contadora group.[4]

In April 2001, Colombian President Andrés Pastrana Arango paid a visit to Quebec City to attend the 3rd Summit of the Americas. While in Canada, President Pastrana met with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.[5] In September 2011, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos paid a visit to Toronto. That same year, both nations nations signed the Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement.[6]

In April 2012, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid a visit to Cartagena, Colombia to attend the 6th Summit of the Americas. In December 2014, Canadian Governor General David Johnston paid a State visit to Colombia.[7][8] Colombian President Santos returned to Canada in October 2017 for a State visit to Ottawa and met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.[9]

The Canadian government has supported the Colombian peace process and offered assistance in clearing mines in the country.[10] In 2023, both nations celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations.[11]

High-level visits

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Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper (among other leaders) attending the 6th Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia; April 2012.

High-level visits from Canada to Colombia[4][7][10]

High-level visits from Colombia to Canada[4][5][9]

Transportation

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There are direct flights between both nations with Air Canada and Avianca.

Bilateral agreements

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Both nations have signed a few bilateral agreements such as an Agreement in Technical and Scientific Cooperation (1977); Trade Agreement (1977); Agreement on Labour Cooperation (2011); Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (2011); and a Free Trade Agreement (2011).[4][6]

Trade

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In 2023, trade between Canada and Colombia totaled US$2.6 billion.[1] Canada's main exports to Colombia include: wheat cereals, fertilizers, vegetables, machinery and meat products. Colombia's main exports to Canada include: energy products and coffee.[1] Canadian companies such as Canacol Energy, Gran Tierra Energy, Parex Resources, and Scotiabank (among others) operate in Colombia.[12]

Resident diplomatic missions

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See also

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References

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