PH Ambassador, Colombia Foreign Ministry Discuss Closer Bilateral Ties, Anti-Narcotics Cooperation

BOGOTA 12 July 2018 — Non-Resident Ambassador to Colombia Marichu B. Mauro, ahead of her presentation of credentials to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, met with the Director-General of Asia, Oceania and Africa of the Ministry of External Relations Alfredo Ramos to discuss areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Colombia.

With the overall state of relations between the Philippines and Colombia being friendly and cordial at present, Ambassador Mauro was very keen on taking advantage of the good relations between the two countries, and deepening relations with Colombia.

Ambassador Mauro outlined opportunities for bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of defense, the peace process, trade and investment, education, culture, sports, climate change, and cooperation in combating illegal drugs.

In particular, both Ambassador Mauro and Director-General Ramos discussed at length potential cooperation in combating illegal drugs. Director-General Ramos has outlined areas where Colombia can offer expertise to the Philippine government in its illegal drug campaign.

Ambassador Mauro congratulated Director-General Ramos on the opening of the Colombian Embassy in Manila last year. She also announced the Philippines’ intention to open an embassy very soon to further strengthen bilateral ties. Director-General Ramos received the announcement as “excellent news.”

The Ambassador also discussed at length the upcoming Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) and Political Consultations between the Philippines and Colombia next year. She assured Director-General Ramos of the Philippines’ commitment to the active implementation of the BCM in improving relations with Colombia. END

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