Joint statement: Second High-Level Dialogue between Sweden and Colombia

The Second High-Level Dialogue between Sweden and Colombia was held in Stockholm today. The meeting was chaired by Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard and Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio. The dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to continue strengthening a bilateral relationship built on decades of cooperation, trust and shared values.

In preparation for the High-Level Dialogue in Stockholm, more than 30 institutions from both countries participated in two technical working groups in order to evaluate concrete progress and identify opportunities to further deepen cooperation in strategic areas such as peace, security, sustainability, energy transition, trade, education and economic development. These achievements are the result of more than a year of work following the signing of the Bilateral Partnership between Colombia and Sweden, established between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in 2024. 

The ministerial dialogue in Stockholm provided an opportunity to further develop the longstanding relationship between Colombia and Sweden, marked by Sweden’s support for durable and sustainable peace in Colombia, cooperation in the area of sustainability, the advancement of inclusive development initiatives and collaboration in strategic economic sectors. During the dialogue, both countries agreed on the importance of a renewed Swedish strategy for development cooperation with Colombia. They also reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism, international cooperation, and respect for international law, including the UN Charter.  

Both governments agreed that the Second High-Level Dialogue consolidated a strategic platform to advance a dynamic and results-oriented bilateral agenda, reaffirming their willingness to continue building – together – a relationship that contributes to the wellbeing of their societies and the strengthening of international cooperation. The ministers agreed that protocols from the technical discussions will be exchanged.