Traslated by Andrés Martínez Forero
The Mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, welcomed Spain’s new ambassador to Colombia, Santiago Jiménez Martín, during a meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in strategic sectors such as culture, heritage, water access and sanitation, and support for migrant populations.
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The meeting, also attended by Bogotá’s International Relations Office and the Secretariat for Culture, Recreation, and Sports, highlighted the city's interest in ensuring its priorities are included in the new Country Partnership Framework between Colombia and Spain, currently under negotiation. This framework will guide Spanish cooperation for the next four years.
“For Bogotá, international engagement is a strategic tool that directly impacts investment attraction, institutional strengthening, and quality of life improvements. Cooperation with Spain—a key ally with over 1,300 companies operating in the country and a vibrant cultural agenda—demonstrates the potential of these partnerships for our city’s economic and social development,” said Mayor Galán.
Spain plays a vital role in Bogotá's cultural landscape. In recent years, it has supported the BIME, one of the most significant music and sound industry events in Ibero-America; will be the guest of honor at FILBo 2025; and is progressing with plans to establish the Spanish Cultural Center in the city’s historic district. It was also agreed that Madrid will be the guest city at the Bogotá International Arts Festival (FIAV) in 2026.
Bogotá also aims to expand this collaboration through programs like FONPRODE, focused on sustainable development; the Water and Sanitation Cooperation Fund (FCAS), which could support rural communities; and Heritage for Development, with potential projects such as restoring heritage sites and strengthening cultural districts like El Bronx and the Usme Archaeological Park.
“Spain is currently executing nine cooperation projects in Bogotá, with an investment close to €4.5 million in key areas such as migration, sexual and reproductive health, water access, and other strategic sectors, showcasing the strength and scope of our bilateral relationship,” highlighted Ambassador Jiménez Martín.
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This meeting is part of Bogotá´s urban diplomacy agenda, which has recently fostered alliances with countries like France and Singapore in areas such as social innovation, mobility, and security. The capital continues to open its doors to global learning and to share its urban and social vision with the world.
Learn more about the agenda between Bogotá and Spain in the latest post on the X account of Bogotá’s International Relations Office.
🇨🇴I🇪🇸 El alcalde, @CarlosFGalan recibió al nuevo embajador de España, @santiagoJDIPLO para fortalecer cooperación en cultura, agua y migración.
— Relaciones Internacionales Bogotá (@BogotaInter_nal) May 5, 2025
✅Más de 1.300 empresas españolas ya confían en Bogotá.
Abrimos nuestras puertas para crear nuevas oportunidades. #BogotáInternacionalpic.twitter.com/KdlFnFXwIk
*This article was created using information provided by the Bogotá’s International Relations Office and curated by a journalist from Portal Bogotá. For suggestions, questions, or more information, visit Bogotá Te Escucha: https://bogota.gov.co/sdqs/
