Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs praised Colombia on the progress made in the implementation of the peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – which ended more than fifty (50) years of internal conflict. Minister Moses underlined that the success of this agreement must be recognized as it is a result of unwavering dedication to restoring peace and security which stands as an example to the world. These sentiments were expressed during a reception hosted by His Excellency Alfonso Múnera Cavadía, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Trinidad and Tobago, held in commemoration of the 207th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Colombia on 20th July, 2017
Noting that the reopening of the Embassy of Colombia in Port of Spain in 2012 has brought increased collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia, Minister Moses acknowledged the importance of Colombia’s Cooperation Strategy with the Caribbean Basin in promoting technical cooperation in the areas of national security, energy security and education.
Commenting further on cooperation in the area of education, in particular language training, Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses highlighted the success of the First Edition of the Spanish as a Foreign Language Course for Public Servants, which was offered by the Government of Colombia and concluded in April 2017 with thirty-three (33) participants graduating. Moreover, the Honourable Minister noted that the Second Edition of this programme is currently being conducted, with sixty-eight (68) participants from five (5) Ministries enrolled, and will conclude in October 2017.
Minister Moses stressed that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago recognizes that such engagements between Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia contribute significantly to building understanding and appreciation of our respective cultures and assist in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Collaborations at the multilateral level between Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia through shared membership in a number of regional and hemispheric bodies was also mentioned by the Honourable Minister. Minister Moses congratulated Colombia on assuming the Pro Tempore Presidency (PTP) of the Pacific Alliance at the 12th Pacific Alliance Summit on 30th June, 2017. Further, he emphasised that as a founding member of the Pacific Alliance, Colombia continues to demonstrate commitment to deepening strategic integration between countries of the Americas and the Pacific – including Trinidad and Tobago, which is one of the two (2) CARICOM States with observer status in the Alliance.
During his address, His Excellency Alfonso Múnera Cavadía, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia reflected on the deep friendship which unites Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago, as he reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to forge deeper bilateral ties with Trinidad and Tobago. Ambassador Múnera also focussed on advancing cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest in particular trade and commerce, language training and culture. As Colombia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency expressed his happiness in returning to Trinidad and Tobago to serve in this new role, having served previously as SecretaryGeneral of the Association of Caribbean States whose headquarters are based in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ministry of
Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
Click to view official media release- Trinidad and Tobago praises Colombia on its exemplar role in promoting peace and security
