Colombia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to strengthen trade ties and develop mutual interests, with the middle eastern nation planning to install an embassy in Bogota, reported local media Tuesday.
The statement of intent came from UAE foreign minister Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan following a meeting with his counterpart Maria Angela Holguin at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign affairs.
Holguin said the countries would endeavour to reach agreements on investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, and expanding private investment, which at the moment “does not represent the capacity of the two countries,” said Al Nahyan. The foreign minister said that the UAE was considering bringing two airlines to Colombia to establish a direct air route between the two nations.
Both foreign ministers hailed the agreement as a positive move for bilateral relations. “This expresses the importance of the relationship,” said Al Nahyan. Holguin stated that “this would signal even greater the importance we give to this country, we want to improve and strengthen this relationship.”
The visit of the UAE foreign minister to Colombia culminated in a meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos. The Colombian foreign ministry said it was discussing the possibility of Santos visiting the UAE later this year.