The Colombian Ambassador in Ghana, Her Excellency Claudia Quintero has indicated Colombia’s intention to improve relations with the African continent.
According to her, Ghana spearheads Colombia’s aim to fulfill its integration strategy with Africa due to the cordial relationship that exists between both countries, hence the reason why it is the first African country to have a Colombian diplomatic mission.
“Ghana and Colombia share a lot of similarities in culture, arts, tourism, education, agriculture etc., we also share geographical and climate similarities because we are joined by the equator” she explained.
Mrs. Quintero added that even though both countries have very healthy multilateral relations, she seeks to establish a deeper and continuous relationship with Ghana bilaterally, which she hopes to extend to the other 15 countries of ECOWAS where she will concurrently represent as a non-resident Ambassador of Colombia.
“Colombia is carrying the message of friendship, working together and exploring all possibilities between us [Colombia] and the African continent and also promoting the understanding that both continents have a lot in common” she said.
With regards to the prospect of Ghana-Colombia relations, Mrs. Quintero said her outfit would seek to initiate programs on educational and cultural exchange, economic trade, political consultancy etc.; adding that she is already making headways after spending less than a year in the country.
According to her, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Ghana and Colombia to invite professors from Colombian Universities to teach the Spanish language in a six-month language programme in Ghana sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.
She also revealed that her outfit would seek to facilitate trade cooperation between ECOWAS countries and the four members of the Pacific Alliance, which are Peru, Chile, Mexico and Colombia.
This, she said, would include developing free trade agreements and cultural diplomacy through economic and commercial integration of the South-American continent and the African continent, most specifically ECOWAS countries.
Over the years, Colombia –Ghana bilateral trade has grown exceptionally from as low as $2.2 million in 2009 to $40.8 million, with gasoline products dominating the trade relationship between both countries.
“Ecopetrol, [a reputable Colombian oil and gas company] is currently in Ghana to attend to the Oil and Gas summit. This proves that we are interested in further exploring the opportunities in the Ghanaian market and the off-shore exploration of oil” she said.
During the last decade, Colombia has positioned itself as a regional leader. The economy of the South-American country has grown above the regional and world average in the last two years and is expected to reach a higher level in the coming years.
Colombia which was also named the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) country in the world in 2012 continues to exude confidence through strengthening its institution and increasing of economic capabilities and entrepreneurship of its people.
Mrs. Quintero added that, her vision as the Colombian Ambassador to Ghana “is to encourage and invite Colombian businessmen to invest in the manufacturing and services industry in Ghana. I am also interested in enhancing cooperation in agriculture, oil and any expertise which Colombia can offer to Ghana.”
Prior to her appointment in Ghana last year, Mrs. Claudia Quintero was the Colombia Ambassador to Switzerland. She is also the first bilateral Ambassador of Colombia to Ghana and the sub-region.
By Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call
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