Ireland's relationship with Colombia
Ireland and Colombia share a rich and deep-rooted bilateral relationship.
Our connections began over 200 years ago when over a thousand Irish volunteers travelled to assist Simón Bolívar in Colombia’s fight for independence. These volunteers included General Daniel Florence O’Leary, Aide-de-Camp under Bolívar and Colonel James Rooke and both of whom are warmly remembered in Colombia today.
Partners in Peace
Ireland and Colombia cooperate closely on peacebuilding. Ireland has been as a strong supporter of Colombia’s 2016 Peace agreement since the time of negotiations in Havana between the Colombian Government and the FARC, where there was strong interest in the lessons learned from the Northern Irish Peace Process.
This engagement has deepened following the signing of the 2016 Agreement, a driver for the opening of our Embassy here. Our work on peace is a valued aspect of our bilateral relationship and remains a major pillar of the Embassy’s work.
Under the Global Ireland Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ireland has enhanced this support further, acting as guarantor in the talks with FARC dissident group the Estado Major under the Colombian Government’s Total Peace policy.
Trading links
Trade and investments links between Ireland and Colombia have seen major growth in recent years.
Irish exports to Colombia are primarily made-up of medical and pharmaceutical products, while Colombian imports include coal, coffee, fruits and vegetables.
Growing trade and investment flows create excellent opportunities for both Ireland and Colombia. The Embassy, as representatives of Team Ireland continue to work closely with Irish State Agencies to support trade and investment between our two nations.
Cultural Connections
Appreciation of our rich respective cultures is another positive aspect of the Irish-Colombian relationship.
Irish music and dance has a growing presence in Colombia, home to a strong Comhaltas group and several Irish music groups. Irish-Colombian musicians like Katie James have made a name for themselves on the world stage.
Showcasing Creative Ireland in Colombia through music, poetry, literature, film, art and other mediums and forging greater links between Irish and Colombian artists is a key priority for the Embassy.
Our People
Ireland and Colombia are closer than ever before and connectivity between our countries continues to increase. Today, Colombia is home to a growing community of Irish people, and Ireland is also enriched by the presence of over 1000 Colombians.
In addition to our resident communities, tourism between our two countries continues to grow. Over 7000 Irish tourists visited Colombia in 2023, while almost 1,000 Colombians crossed the Atlantic to visit Ireland.