Argentina’s Foreign Minister to visit Colombia

Diana Mondino, Argentina’s Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit Colombia to advance a joint agenda with her Colombian counterpart, Luis Gilberto Murillo. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mondino emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “The love, affection, and brotherhood of our peoples must always prevail.”

The upcoming visit follows a period of diplomatic tensions between Colombia and Argentina under the leadership of President Javier Milei and President Gustavo Petro. Relations were strained further when President Milei, during a March interview with the U.S. news network CNN, referred to President Petro as a “terrorist” and a “murderer.” This visit marks an effort to mend ties and foster cooperation between the two nations.

In response to these insults, the Colombian foreign ministry, led by Murillo, declared that Milei referred to the Colombian president in a “degrading way”.  Gustavo Petro ordered the expulsion of diplomats from the Argentinian embassy. 

The diplomatic relations between Argentina and Colombia have a rich history, marked by cooperation and mutual respect. These relations have been progressively solidified since 1993, through seven Technical and Scientific Cooperation programs between institutions of both countries.

Argentina and Colombia’s Historical Relationship

Historically, the two nations have shared traditional bonds of brotherhood, friendship, and cooperation. These bonds have been reaffirmed through various diplomatic meetings and agreements. For instance, in August 2017, the foreign ministers of both nations held a meeting to review the main topics of bilateral relations and the regional agenda. 

Argentina has consistently shown its commitment to the Colombian peace process, as stated by President Mauricio Macri on the occasion of his state visit to Bogota on May 15, 2016. This commitment was demonstrated through the United Nations Mission of Observers and technical cooperation on projects aimed at peacebuilding. 

Despite recent diplomatic controversies, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both nations have held conversations to strengthen diplomatic relations. The presidents of both nations have given precise instructions to renew the ties of friendship and cooperation. This is a key restoration of relations in the Latin American region.