Colombian President Gustavo Petro Concludes Visit to Saudi Arabia with New Cultural Cooperation Pact
RIYADH, November 1: Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his delegation departed Riyadh on Friday after a successful visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the two nations strengthened bilateral ties through a new cultural cooperation agreement.
President Petro was seen off at King Khalid International Airport by Riyadh Deputy Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and several senior Saudi officials. His visit to the Kingdom coincided with his participation in the Future Investment Initiative (FII), an annual high-level global economic forum hosted in Riyadh.
During the visit, Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and Colombian Minister of Culture Yannai Kadamani signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in the cultural sector, marking a new phase in bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement includes the exchange of expertise on cultural systems, regulations, and policies. Joint initiatives on cultural residency programs involving government, civil, and nonprofit institutions. Mutual participation in festivals, cultural events, and artistic collaborations. Enhanced communication between cultural organizations in both nations to foster long-term partnerships.
Officials from both sides expressed optimism that the pact will deepen people-to-people connections and encourage the growth of creative industries, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and Colombia’s broader cultural diplomacy agenda.
President Petro’s participation in the Future Investment Initiative underscores Colombia’s growing engagement with the Middle East, particularly in the areas of investment, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
The three-day forum in Riyadh brought together world leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss future economic trends, technology, and global cooperation.
The visit marked the first high-level cultural agreement between Saudi Arabia and Colombia, signaling a broader intention to diversify bilateral relations beyond trade and investment.