Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang: Many potentials for Vietnam-Colombia cooperation have not been fully exploited.

Thứ trưởng Ngoại giao Lê Thị Thu Hằng: Nhiều tiềm năng hợp tác Việt Nam-Colombia chưa được khai thác hết

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila Polo Floréz pose for a souvenir photo. (Source: Colombian Embassy in Vietnam)

Through vivid images of the richness of Colombia's bird species, the event conveys a message about the South American country's diverse identity, its pride, and its commitment to building a future based on freedom, dignity and peace .

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, representatives of diplomatic missions in Vietnam, the Colombian community in Vietnam, travel companies and press agencies.

Here, attendees can admire a photo exhibition of Colombian birds, listen to the birdsong, and see many exquisite handcrafted products made from wood and chaquira beads by indigenous communities in the Colombian Caribbean and Amazon. All of this experience is combined with a sophisticated culinary performance, coordinated by the Embassy of Colombia in Vietnam and its partners.

Đại sứ quán Colombia tại Việt Nam kỷ niệm 215 năm Ngày Độc lập

Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila Polo Floréz speaks at the ceremony. (Source: Colombian Embassy in Vietnam)

Speaking at the event, Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila Polo Floréz emphasized diversity, as well as the importance of building a cohesive and harmonious society in differences.

Ambassador Floréz also paid tribute to the Colombian people’s distinctive qualities of richness, creativity, friendliness and generosity; and highlighted the pivotal role of education, innovation and solidarity in the journey towards a better future.

Reviewing the progress Colombia has made in the economic, social and political fields in recent years, the diplomat affirmed the fundamental principles of Colombia's foreign policy: Support for multilateralism, dialogue and cooperation.

In that spirit, she highlighted the role of the South American country in speaking out against injustice, defending democracy, calling for peace, protecting human rights, the sovereignty of peoples, as well as the need to face challenges together in an uncertain global context, dominated by the Triple Planetary Crisis, wars and conflicts.

Guests attending the 215th anniversary of Colombia's Independence Day. (Source: Embassy of Colombia in Vietnam)

In addition, Ambassador Floréz mentioned the issue of migration, recognizing the positive contributions of the Colombian community living in Vietnam and around the world, and emphasizing the importance of the relationship with Vietnam, not only in the similarities in history but also in the patience, reconstruction and continuous peace building of both peoples.

“Vietnam is not only Colombia's partner in Asia, but also a friend who shares the Sustainable Development Goals, mutual respect and aspiration for lasting peace,” the Ambassador pointed out.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the ceremony. (Source: Colombian Embassy in Vietnam)

For her part, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized the historical significance of Colombia's struggle for independence, recognizing the impressive achievements in the development process, turning the country into one of the most dynamic economies in Latin America.

Pointing out the similarities between the two countries in the resistance war against colonialism and the national reconstruction, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed optimism about the prospects for future cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, tourism, culture and education - the focuses that Ambassador Floréz mentioned and which are currently an important part of the bilateral agenda.

Accordingly, Colombia is currently Vietnam's fifth largest trade partner in Latin America and there is still much untapped potential for cooperation. The Deputy Minister highly appreciated and thanked the Colombian Embassy for its continuous efforts in promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.

Some pictures at the event