Mozambique and Colombia signed an agreement this Monday (28) in the city of Cali (Colombia) to abolish visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and facilitating the mobility of officials between the two countries.
According to Noticias, the agreement was signed by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Manuel José Gonçalves, and the Colombian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Luís Gilberto Murillo Urrutia, at a ceremony attended by the Vice-President of Colombia, Francia Márquez.
According to the deputy minister, the agreement represents ‘another important step towards closer ties of co-operation’ between the two nations, facilitating travel by authorities and other individuals carrying the passports in question.
Diplomatic relations between Mozambique and Colombia were established in 1988 and have since been strengthened through various co-operation instruments. According to Manuel Gonçalves, Mozambique and Colombia are currently exploring new areas of co-operation, including the agricultural, mineral resources and energy sectors.
The recent accreditation of a new Colombian ambassador to Maputo on 16 October is also seen as an initiative to deepen bilateral relations.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which is taking place in Cali under the slogan ‘Peace with Nature’. Mozambique is taking part in this event with a delegation that includes the Minister of Land and Environment, Ivete Maibaze, and Manuel Gonçalves, who learnt about the contribution of Mozambican experts in discussions on the preservation of biodiversity.
Mozambican experts have actively participated in various sessions, sharing experiences and exchanging information on investments in conservation areas in the country.
COP16, a highly important conference, aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of natural resources and the fair distribution of benefits from the exploitation of such resources, while respecting countries’ sovereignty over their natural heritage.
