External Affairs minister Holds Extensive Talks with Colombian Foreign Minister

• The talks were focussed on boosting bilateral ties in areas of health, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and space.
• Ramirez, who is also Vice President of Columbia, began a three-day visit to India.
• A 48-member delegation of experts and officials in the fields of health and science and technology is accompanying her.

Strengthening cooperation in multilateral fora

• Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez is accompanied by the Minister of Health and Social Security, Dr. Luiz Fernando Ruiz, government officials, representatives of business and educational institutions.
• The foreign minister had earlier met Ramirez on September 25 during the 76th session of the United Nations.
• According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar outlined India's priorities with regard to UN reforms during the discussions.
• The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral fora.
• Both sides agreed to work together to promote trade and investment in the energy, IT, pharmaceuticals and automobile sectors.
• The two leaders signed two letters of intent for cooperation in the field of biotechnology and medical research.
• These were signed by the Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) along with their Colombian counterparts.

Steady increase in bilateral trade

• There has been a steady increase in bilateral trade between India and Colombia.
• The trade stood at USD 2.27 billion in 2020-21 despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Prior to Ramirez's arrival, a business delegation led by Dr. Luiz Fernando Ruiz, Minister of Health and Social Security, visited Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru from 27-30 September.