Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, has said he would welcome a high-level visit from Colombia to Ireland before the end of the Government’s term.
He was speaking at the end of his five-day trip to Colombia, where he represented the state for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The Minister for State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy said: “The key aim of the visit to Bogotá and Medellín was to further deepen our excellent bilateral relations, our support for the peace process and explore how we can strengthen our economic and cultural relations. From that perspective, it was extremely successful.”
“It’s important that we work together, bilaterally, regionally and at multilateral level to address common challenges such as climate change and migration. Like Colombia, Ireland has been broadening our engagement overseas in recent years under our ‘Global Ireland’ strategy. This includes opening new embassies, including in Colombia.”
Commenting on his meeting with organisations searching for disappeared persons supported by the UN Multi-Party Trust Fund, the Minister of State said: “Over 124,000 persons have been disappeared during the conflict in Colombia.
Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, pictured with the President of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), Alejandro Ramelli.
Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, visiting the Museo Casa de la Memoria in Medellín with signatories of the 2016 Peace Agreement who have developed a tour of Medellín for people to learn about the impact of the conflict and subsequent experiences of peace and reconciliation.
Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, presenting the gift of a Donegal Pen to Colombia’s Minister for Sports, Patricia Duque. They discussed sports policy in both countries and ideas for increased exchanges in this area between Ireland and Colombia.
“This was an opportunity to express Ireland’s solidarity and support for the peace process and the search for the disappeared. The meeting included representatives from four organisations that are searching tirelessly for people who forcibly disappeared during the armed conflict.”
“For Ireland, our annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are an opportunity to celebrate our international connections and relations, which enrich both Ireland and our partners overseas. It is also a time to connect with the 70 million people around the world of Irish descent.
“In Ireland, we are privileged to have a strong cultural heritage. And in the face of a long history of political, economic and social challenges, Irish people have for centuries turned outwards.
“In so doing, they have carried our traditions of song, story, poetry and dance across the world. Long may those traditions continue. I extend my sincere thanks to the Ambassador of Ireland to Colombia, Fiona Nic Donnacha, and excellent her team their help and support during the visit.”
At the St Patrick’s Day reception at the Ambassador’s Residence in Bogotá, Minister McConalogue announced funding of over €1.5 million for peacebuilding projects in Colombia.
