Deputy Minister Choi Jong-geon Meets with Colombian Ambassador to Korea... Discusses Expanding Bilateral Trade through FTA

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the afternoon of the 19th, Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Juan Carlos Caiza Rosero, Ambassador of Colombia to Korea, and exchanged wide-ranging views on ways to develop Korea-Colombia relations, including cooperation on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and collaboration on the international stage. This was the first individual meeting with Latin American ambassadors to Korea.

Vice Minister Choi expressed satisfaction with the cooperation to overcome the COVID-19 crisis with Colombia, the only Latin American country that participated in the Korean War and a key diplomatic partner for Latin America. Marking the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War this year, he hoped to further expand exchanges and practical cooperation in the post-COVID era, including high-level diplomacy between the two countries.

In response, Ambassador Caiza conveyed President Iv?n Duque's strong interest and commitment to developing Korea-Colombia relations. He also expressed the Colombian president's special gratitude for Korea's support in responding to COVID-19. Furthermore, Ambassador Caiza expressed hope for expanding trade between the two countries through the Korea-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as well as for development cooperation and increased investment by Korean companies in Colombia.

Vice Minister Choi called for close cooperation to advance bilateral relations, emphasizing that if Korean companies participate in Colombia's defense infrastructure and defense industry cooperation projects, it could be a significant achievement in Korea-Colombia cooperation, and requested active cooperation and support.

Additionally, Vice Minister Choi explained that Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, during a phone call with the Colombian president, requested the Colombian government's support for Yoo Myung-hee, the Chief Trade Negotiator who advanced to the final round of the WTO Director-General election. He once again sought Colombia's support. In response, Ambassador Caiza stated that the Colombian government highly evaluates Chief Yoo's capabilities and qualities and looks forward to her success.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.