The Colombian Embassy headed by H.E. Claudia Turbay Quintero, on July 18, 2014 organized a reception to commemorate the 204th independence anniversary of Colombia in Ghana.
The event, which is the first to be held in the country, brought together a host of high profile dignitaries within the Ghanaian diplomatic community and an impressive representation of government officials, most notably the Minister for Transport, Mrs. Dzifa Aku Ativor, who was also the guest speaker for the event.
Addressing audiences at the ceremony, Mrs. Claudia Quintero said that the recent opening of Colombian embassies in Morocco, Algeria and Ghana is as a result of her country’s objective to increase its diplomatic presence on the African continent.
As the Colombian ambassador to the sub-region, Mrs. Quintero expressed her intention to engage ECOWAS countries in bilateral trade agreements that will allow for mutually-beneficial economic developments and trade strategies, with Colombia-Ghana relations expected to spearhead this integration strategy.
“We believe in globalization and believe that one of the best sources in obtaining prosperity and development, socially and economically is through Trade, thus we have many Free trade agreements that have shown benefits to our trade exchange” she said.
According to Mrs. Quintero, both Ghana and Colombia have a diverse population which is reflected in its cultural and ethnic diversity, multiplicity of languages, creative art and music and its rich nature, adding that she hopes to dwell on such similarities in order to further propel the south-south cooperation in the future.
“Without doubt”, she said, “all these similarities will be a driving force through our diplomatic relations together, helping to effectively build up new development projects, and also exchanging ideas and experiences for mutual benefit.”
Mrs. Quintero also revealed that her outfit in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instituted a six-month Spanish program for 70 public servants as a means of embracing and acquainting themselves with the Latin-American culture.
She further mentioned that since her arrival in the country in August 2013, several Ghanaian experts on areas such as education, youth, migration, police force, among others, have already visited Colombia as part of capacity development partnerships between both countries, adding that her outfit intends to sustain such initiatives as evidence of Colombia’s commitment towards fostering relations with Ghana.
Ambassador Claudia Quintero also lauded the government of Ghana for permanently striving to improve the economic and social conditions of its citizens, further expressing her “admiration for the determination and courage of the Government to take strict and necessary measurements to control its economy, in difficult times”.
She also expressed her gratitude to the government and the people of Ghana for the warm reception accorded her and her team, which according to her has enabled both countries to further appreciate their capacities, similarities, and the natural sympathy between the people of Colombia and Ghana, as well as providing sufficient impetus to the commitment of both governments to advance in strengthening the ties between both countries.
Mrs. Dzifa Attivor, on behalf of the government, congratulated the embassy on the commemoration of its first national anniversary in the country, adding that the government of Ghana is looking forward to more mutually-beneficial partnerships with Colombia in the future.
By: Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call
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