Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Colombia's ambassador in Mexico, Patricia Cárdenas Santamaría, launched the 2017-2018 Colombia-Mexico/Mexico-Colombia Year that was agreed to on March 30 during the first meeting of the Strategic Relationship Council in Bogota, Colombia.
Foreign Secretary Videgaray said the event would further strengthen the cultural, educational, business, trade and investment aspects of the excellent bilateral relationship, and he highlighted Colombia's strategic importance in Mexico's foreign policy. "Colombia-Mexico year demonstrates the close friendship between our two nations and gives us a closer look at the artistic expressions of our two societies," he said.
He also welcomed the peace process in Colombia, which he believes to be a historic success, saying, "We view Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos' legacy with admiration and enthusiasm.”
Ambassador Cárdenas explained that Colombia-Mexico Year will begin with the inauguration of Casa Colombia in Mexico at the El Rule Cultural and Visitors Center, located on Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas number 6, in Mexico City's historic center.
The two governments agreed that Colombia's events would take place in Mexico in the second half of 2017, and that Mexico would schedule its events in Colombia for 2018.
"This will be an opportunity for Mexicans to learn about the best of Colombia and to strengthen our ties through activities in four key areas: culture, education, entrepreneurship and innovation, and trade and investment. This exchange will raise the awareness of both countries, encourage cooperation in new areas and help consolidate peace in our country," said Ambassador Cardenas.
Some of the events on the agenda include the participation of Colombian writers in the Hay Festival Querétaro, the inauguration of the Gabriel García Márquez Plaza in Mexico City and the International Film Festival in Hidalgo with Colombia as a guest country of honor.
There will be events in 13 Mexican cities: Tijuana, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz, Merida, Morelia, Querétaro, Toluca, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato and Monterrey. In Colombia, there will be joint events including the Bogotá Book Fair.