Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has announced new ambassadors to Turkey and the Netherlands, Colombian media reported Monday.
The Colombian head of state announced that Eduardo Pizarro is to be new ambassador to the Hague and the International Criminal Court while Fernando Panesso is to be the new ambassador to Turkey.
Pizarro is a sociologist of the University of Paris III and holds a doctorate in sociology from the Institute of Political Studies in the same city. He also has a master’s in International Relations from the Universidad Externado de Colombia and has served as the President of the National Commission of Reparation and Reconciliation.
In reference to The Hague, Santos said “It is a very important embassy, not only before the Kingdom of Holland but also before the International Criminal Court. Mr Eduardo Pizarro has all the credentials and knowledge to represent the country in this Embassy.”
When talking about Turkey, Santos called it “a very important country” and said that Panesso “has all the credentials.” Santos said he is certain there is going to be a great embassy in Turkey.
Panesso was a consul in New York, worked as president of ETB communications company, was a manger at the recently concluded FIFA U-20 World Cup and is a former governor of the department of Antioquia.
Santos added “Turkey is one of the stars which is growing at very high rates. We are in talks with Turkey to negotiate a free trade agreement.” Santos is to travel to Turkey at the end of the year to officially introduce the new ambassador.