On behalf of the government of the United Arab Emirates, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, attended the presidential inauguration ceremony of Abelardo de la Espriella in Colombia, as reported by Sharjah 24. The diplomatic presence underscores bilateral ties between the UAE and Colombia as both nations mark half a century of formal diplomatic relations.
During the visit, Al Hashimy delivered official greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to Al Fajr News, the Emirati delegation conveyed wishes for progress and prosperity to the new Colombian administration and the public.
The diplomatic engagement coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Colombia, which reaches its half-century mark in November 2026. Officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership, reviewing five decades of mutual respect and establishing frameworks for future cooperation.
Bilateral Talks and Economic Expansion Priorities
Discussions during the inauguration trip centered on expanding collaboration across sectors, including economic partnerships, investment, and energy. According to Sharjah 24, both governments emphasized the importance of fostering economic development and exploring avenues for bilateral trade.
Al Hashimy held a series of meetings on the sidelines of the ceremony. Her schedule included talks with Colombian Senate President Honorio Enríquez, former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar, and Finance Minister Miguel Gómez Martínez, as detailed by Al Fajr News.
Broader Engagement Across Latin America
Beyond bilateral matters with Colombia, the UAE minister conducted diplomatic outreach with officials from across Latin America. Verified meetings included discussions with Peruvian Foreign Minister Alfonso Carlos Espa Garcés, Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, Bolivian Minister of the Presidency Fernando Aramayo, and Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, according to Sharjah 24.
These regional consultations highlighted the UAE’s foreign policy vision, which regards Latin America as a strategic partner. Al Hashimy emphasized that the UAE remains committed to building sustainable partnerships built on shared developmental objectives and mutual respect, maintaining dialogue to address regional and international developments.
Worth a look