With President Gustavo Petro’s visit to the United Arab Emirates for the World Government Summit 2025 , February 13 to 15, 2025, in Dubai, UAE. Colombia has made a bold and strategic move that redefines its relationship with the Gulf nation. This visit, carefully Orchestrated through the collaborative efforts of both nations, marked a significant turning point—transforming diplomatic intentions into concrete actions.
This visit was a transformative milestone. It showcased Colombia’s commitment to deepening ties in key areas such as trade, investment, artificial intelligence, energy, and digital transformation. The numerous high-level meetings and agreements signed during the summit reflect a clear roadmap for the future, where Colombia positions itself as a strategic partner for the UAE in Latin America.
Through meticulous coordination, the Colombian and UAE diplomatic team facilitated essential dialogues that led to agreements of real impact, including the establishment of a mega artificial intelligence center in Santa Marta, collaboration on IT modernization, and potential investment in Colombia’s industrial sector by Dubai-based firms.
Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, Colombia’s Ambassador to the UAE, one of the most active and influential ambassadors from Latin America, has been pivotal in advancing the Colombia-UAE relationship through collaboration with UAE counterparts and government agencies. His leadership and tireless efforts have been instrumental in fostering strategic partnerships, ensuring that diplomatic initiatives lead to real and lasting impacts for both nations.
As Colombia steps into a new chapter of international collaboration, it is evident that the relationship with the UAE has evolved beyond diplomatic formalities. It is now a partnership grounded in shared interests, strategic investments, and a vision for a future where both nations benefit from stronger economic and technological ties.
Key Milestones of President Gustavo Petro’s Visit to the UAE
The visit of President Gustavo Petro and his delegation to the United Arab Emirates for the World Government Summit 2025 was marked by a series of high-impact engagements that strengthened bilateral cooperation and opened new avenues for economic, technological, and diplomatic collaboration. Over the course of the visit, Colombian officials engaged in strategic discussions with UAE leaders, industry pioneers, and international organizations, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to global partnerships and investment-driven development.
President Petro’s engagements with UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscored the high level of trust and interest between both nations. This trust was further strengthened by Colombia’s participation in global discussions on artificial intelligence, economic diversification, and sustainability.
This agenda included ministerial-level meetings, trade discussions, and the signing of crucial agreements, all designed to position Colombia as a key player in the region’s economic landscape. From renewable energy and artificial intelligence to logistics, foreign trade, and academic cooperation, these interactions paved the way for innovative projects that will drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Below is a detailed summary of the most significant activities and meetings held during this historic visit, highlighting the concrete steps taken to deepen Colombia-UAE relations and expand collaboration across multiple sectors.
✅ Strategic Agreements & Bilateral Cooperation:
- Signing of an MoU between Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies and Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance, strengthening digital transformation efforts.
- MoU signing between Colombia’s Ministry of ICT and Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, paving the way for knowledge exchange in e-governance.
- MoU between Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE’s Undersecretary for Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange, represented by HE Abdulla Nasser Lootah.
✅ High-Level Government Meetings:
- Bilateral meeting between Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and HH Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussing trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.
- Meeting between President Gustavo Petro and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, reinforcing diplomatic and economic ties.
- Engagement with HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, emphasizing mutual opportunities for collaboration.
✅ Sector-Specific Engagements & Investment Prospects:
- Meeting with HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports, discussing trade and logistics partnerships.
- Meeting between Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy and Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA, fostering renewable energy cooperation.
- Participation in Burjeel Holding Group’s event, exploring investment opportunities in Colombia’s healthcare sector.
- Commercial meeting between Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MINCIT) and NAFFCO GROUP, a leading fire safety company, discussing the establishment of a production site in Colombia to serve Latin America.
- Meeting with the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, HE Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, and Colombia’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, Luis Carlos Reyes, evaluating progress on the CEPA agreement.
✅ Technological & Innovation Collaborations:
- Bilateral meeting between Colombia’s Ministry of ICT and HE Omar Sultan AlOlama, UAE Minister of Artificial Intelligence, fostering AI-driven projects.
- Organization of a meeting with G42 and Khazna Data Centers, advancing the construction of a mega AI center in Santa Marta.
- Meeting between Colombia’s MINTIC, MinCiencias Yesenia Olaya Requene, and ATRC, establishing routes for academic and scientific research cooperation.
- Meeting between Alpha and Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, exploring modernization possibilities for the Ministry’s IT infrastructure.
✅ President Gustavo Petro at the World Government Summit:
- Keynote speech at the main plenary session, outlining Colombia’s vision for sustainable growth, innovation, and international cooperation.
- Intervention at the Artificial Intelligence Forum, positioning Colombia as a leader in AI development in Latin Amev A Strengthened Partnership for the Future
A Strengthened Partnership for the Future
President Gustavo Petro’s visit to the United Arab Emirates was more than a diplomatic engagement—it was a defining moment in the evolution of Colombia-UAE relations. Through high-level meetings, strategic agreements, and meaningful collaborations, this visit reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to global cooperation, investment-driven growth, and technological innovation.
The progress made across trade, energy, artificial intelligence, and foreign affairs reflects a shared vision between both nations—one that prioritizes sustainable development, economic opportunity, and long-term partnerships. As Colombia strengthens its presence on the global stage, the UAE stands as a key ally in its journey toward innovation, competitiveness, and prosperity.
This visit was not just about discussions—it was about action. The foundations laid here will drive tangible results, opening new doors for bilateral trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. With this renewed momentum, Colombia and the UAE are set to build a future of mutual growth and success.
(C) 2025 Latin&Gulf - Photo Credit WAM/Colombia EmbassyUAE.
