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.
Social security agreement
As part of the visit, Mr Bula and Ms Baume-Schneider signed a social security agreement governing relations between Switzerland and Colombia for old-age, survivors’ and invalidity capital. The agreement coordinates access to benefits and facilitates the payment of pensions abroad. It also boosts bilateral economic relations by facilitating the secondment of staff between the two countries. Provisions on administrative cooperation and prevention of abuses are also included. The agreement still has to be submitted to the Colombian and Swiss parliaments for approval.
Restitution of cultural property
The two ministers also indicated their intention to strengthen bilateral cooperation in cultural heritage protection and combating the illicit transfer of cultural property. Since the bilateral agreement on the import and return of cultural property came into force in 2011, Switzerland has returned 19 such items to Colombia. Further restitutions are due to take place, including the voluntary return in November 2026 of around 30 archaeological artefacts currently housed in private collections.