History of Brazil–Colombia relations in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 3, 2024

Brazil and Colombia are neighboring South American countries with a history of fluctuating relations. Recently, they have made significant efforts to improve their diplomatic ties, recognizing the mutual benefits of strong bilateral relations. This strengthening of ties is evident in the signing of various agreements and treaties aimed at fostering cooperation between the two nations.

1907: Treaty of Boundaries

In 1907, Brazil and Colombia signed the Treaty of Boundaries, establishing the Tabatinga-Apapóris line as their shared boundary.

1925: Boundary Treaty Reaffirmation

In 1925, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru reaffirmed their shared boundaries, confirming the Tabatinga-Apapóris line's validity.

1981: Presidential Visits

In a sign of improving relations, Brazilian President Figueiredo visited Colombia, marking the first visit by a Brazilian head of state. Reciprocally, Colombian President Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala also visited Brazil in 1981.

November 7, 1994: Basic Technical Cooperation Agreement

On November 7, 1994, Brazil and Colombia signed the Basic Technical Cooperation Agreement to combat drug trafficking. The agreement aimed to prevent the illegal use of precursor chemicals used in making narcotics and psychotropic substances, addressing the use of their shared border as a smuggling route.

1997: Agreement on Judicial Cooperation

In 1997, Brazil and Colombia signed an agreement in Cartagena for judicial cooperation and mutual assistance on criminal matters. This agreement aimed to provide a framework for legal assistance in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

2005: Trade Growth

Bilateral trade between Brazil and Colombia began to increase significantly. Starting at 1.5 billion US dollars in 2005, the trade flow demonstrated substantial growth.

2008: Protocol on Economic and Commercial Cooperation

In 2008, Brazil and Colombia signed a protocol focusing on economic and commercial cooperation. This included a memorandum of understanding to combat illicit trafficking of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and related materials. The agreement also promoted collaboration on defense issues.

2011: Colombia-Brazil Investment Forum

To boost trade and economic ties, the Colombian president inaugurated the first Colombia-Brazil Investment Forum in Bogota in 2011, an event organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

2014: Trade Expansion

By 2014, trade between Brazil and Colombia reached 4.1 billion US dollars, marking a substantial increase from 2005 and highlighting the growing economic relationship.

October 2015: Automotive Trade Agreement

Building upon the agreement signed in 2015, a new agreement further enhanced trade in the automotive sector, aiming to boost bilateral trade in vehicles.

2015: Automotive Sector Agreement

In 2015, Brazil and Colombia signed an agreement to boost trade and investment in their automotive industries. The agreement aimed to increase exports and generate employment opportunities.