PH, Colombia Convene Bilateral Consultation Mechanism to Commemorate 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations   

Left: DFA Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro successfully co-chaired the 5th PH-Colombia BCM together with Colombian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Javier Echeverri Lara. Right: Screenshot of some of the attendees from the Philippines and Colombia during the virtual convening of the 5th Philippines-Colombia Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held on 11 November 2021 (Photos from OAMSS-ICTD)

PASAY CITY, 16 November 2021 - Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Philippines and Colombia this year, both countries successfully convened the 5th round of the Philippines-Colombia Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting in virtual format on 11 November 2021 (Manila).

The BCM was co-chaired by the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Ambassador Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Ambassador Francisco Javier Echeverri Lara.

Both countries agreed to prioritize South-South and Triangular cooperation on the reintegration of former combatants in collaboration with the UN Country Team in the Philippines.

Among the other areas of cooperation discussed were disaster risk reduction and management, tackling the global drug problem, maritime cooperation, tourism, and visa waiver for diplomatic and official passport holders.

The Philippines acknowledged with appreciation the courses on Spanish language, as well as the course on law enforcement in combating illegal drugs that Colombia offered, and expressed the hope that these will continue to be offered especially after the pandemic ends. Colombia, meanwhile, expressed interest in learning from the Philippines about alternative learning systems and online education.

Both sides agreed to explore the vast opportunities in trade and investments between the Philippines and Colombia, as well as in the area of cooperation through the work plan 2021-2025 to be adopted between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance

The Philippines will host the 6th round of the BCM at a mutually agreed date. END