On April 17th, on the sidelines of the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son met with Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, who headed the Colombian delegation. The meeting underscored a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of crucial sectors, including energy transition, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and addressing global challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son warmly welcomed Deputy Minister Jaramillo's visit to Vietnam and expressed his appreciation for the Colombian government's support in Vietnam's successful hosting of the P4G Summit. He emphasized that this support significantly contributed to the global collective effort towards achieving green and sustainable growth objectives.

Highlighting the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and trade spheres, Deputy Prime Minister Son affirmed that Vietnam consistently prioritizes multifaceted cooperation with Colombia within its broader policy of fostering ties with the Latin American region. He noted the mutual benefits derived from the growing economic partnership and expressed optimism for future expansion.

Both sides concurred on the importance of intensifying the exchange of delegations and contacts at all levels. To further solidify their partnership, they agreed to enhance the effectiveness and regularity of the Deputy Foreign Minister-level political consultations and the Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation. These mechanisms will serve as crucial platforms for in-depth discussions and the formulation of concrete measures to bolster bilateral ties. Furthermore, the two nations pledged to maintain close coordination and mutual support within international organizations and multilateral forums, recognizing the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for collaborative solutions.

Deputy Minister Jaramillo expressed his pleasure in making his first visit to Vietnam and extended his congratulations on the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Liberation of South Vietnam and National Reunification Day. He affirmed Colombia's view of Vietnam as a key partner in Southeast Asia and conveyed Colombia's eagerness to collaborate with Vietnam in its role as a bridge to enhance relations between the Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions. This acknowledgment of Vietnam's strategic importance in the region signals a deepening understanding and appreciation of its geopolitical influence.

The Colombian Deputy Minister also expressed his gratitude for the warm and hospitable reception extended by Vietnam during the P4G Summit. He assured Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son that the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to effectively implement the goals and directions for relationship development proposed during the meeting.

A significant outcome of the discussion was the agreement to bolster the sharing of experiences and expand cooperation in several critical areas. These include:

Energy Transition: Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, both nations committed to exchanging best practices and exploring collaborative projects in the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This could involve sharing knowledge on renewable energy technologies, policy frameworks, and strategies for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Digital Transformation: Understanding the transformative power of digital technologies, Vietnam and Colombia agreed to foster cooperation in areas such as e-governance, digital economy development, and the adoption of digital solutions across various sectors. This collaboration could involve sharing expertise in building digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and creating a conducive environment for technological innovation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Recognizing the potential of AI to drive economic growth and address societal challenges, the two countries agreed to explore opportunities for joint research, development, and application of AI technologies. This could include collaborations in areas such as AI ethics, AI-powered solutions for specific industries, and the development of AI talent.
Addressing Migration Issues: Acknowledging the complexities of global migration, Vietnam and Colombia committed to sharing experiences and best practices in managing migration flows, protecting the rights of migrants, and addressing the root causes of migration. This cooperation could involve exchanging information on migration policies, integration strategies, and humanitarian assistance efforts.
Combating Transnational Crime: Recognizing the growing threat of transnational organized crime, the two nations agreed to enhance cooperation in combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and other forms of illicit activities. This collaboration could involve sharing intelligence, conducting joint investigations, and strengthening legal frameworks.
Cybersecurity: In an increasingly interconnected world, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern. Vietnam and Colombia agreed to strengthen cooperation in protecting their digital infrastructure, sharing information on cyber threats, and developing joint strategies to enhance cyber resilience.
Climate Change: Beyond energy transition, the two countries recognized the broader challenges posed by climate change and agreed to collaborate on adaptation and mitigation efforts, including sharing best practices in sustainable agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and environmental protection.
This high-level meeting signifies a deepening commitment between Vietnam and Colombia to strengthen their bilateral relationship and address pressing global challenges through enhanced cooperation. The focus on future-oriented sectors like energy transition, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence highlights a shared vision for sustainable and innovative development. As both nations continue to engage in regular consultations and explore concrete collaborative initiatives, the partnership between Vietnam and Colombia is poised for significant growth and mutual benefit, further bridging the gap between Southeast Asia and Latin America.

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