Federal Councillors Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider receive Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula

Bern, 19.10.2026 — On 19 October 2026, Mr Cassis received the Colombian foreign minister, Omar Bula, for a working meeting in Bern. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, Swiss support to Colombia following the earthquake in August 2026, as well as peace and security in the country and wider region. Prior to this, Mr Bula met with Ms Baume-Schneider to sign a bilateral social security agreement and discuss cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Switzerland and Colombia enjoy close and multifaceted relations. Switzerland is the fourth-largest foreign investor in Colombia. At the meeting, Mr Cassis and Mr Bula discussed ways of further strengthening economic cooperation and improving the framework conditions for trade and investment.

Cooperation in education, science and innovation was also on the agenda, particularly with regard to dual vocational education and training, research funding and support for start-ups. In addition, Switzerland's relief aid provided after the earthquake in August 2026 was discussed. Switzerland allocated CHF 1 million for emergency aid and reconstruction. It welcomes the efforts of the Colombian government and reiterates its willingness to continue supporting the reconstruction process based on the recovery plan put forward.

Long-standing partner in Colombia’s peace efforts

Another key focus of the meeting was peace and security in Colombia. For over 25 years, Switzerland has been supporting Colombia’s peace efforts, in particular the implementation of the 2016 agreement with the FARC-EP. Switzerland acted as a mediator in the negotiations between the parties to the conflict. “Switzerland remains ready to contribute its expertise and support for the demobilisation of armed groups and for sustainable solutions in regions affected by violence,” said Mr Cassis.

Mr Cassis and Mr Bula also discussed developments in the wider region, focusing in particular on the situation in Venezuela, Brazil, Cuba and Nicaragua.