History of Colombia–Mexico relations in Timeline

Colombia and Mexico have maintained diplomatic relations since 1821, with Colombia being the first Latin American country to recognize Mexico's independence. Both nations share membership in several regional and international organizations, including the Association of Caribbean States, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Latin American Integration Association, Organization of American States, Organization of Ibero-American States, Pacific Alliance, and the United Nations. This shared membership highlights their cooperative relationship across various political, economic, and social domains within Latin America and on a global scale.

1928: Arbitration Treaty

In 1928, Colombia and Mexico signed an Arbitration Treaty.

1975: Air Transportation Agreement

In 1975, Colombia and Mexico signed an Air Transportation Agreement.

1979: Agreements on Scientific, Technical and Cultural/Educational Cooperation

In 1979, Colombia and Mexico signed agreements in Scientific and Technical Cooperation, as well as for Cultural and Educational Exchanges.

1989: Formation of the Group of 3 trade bloc

In 1989, Colombia and Mexico, along with Venezuela, formed the Group of 3 (Grupo de los Tres), a trade bloc aimed at reducing trade tariffs and establishing a free trade zone among the three nations.

1994: Free Trade Agreement

In 1994, Colombia and Mexico signed a Free Trade Agreement.

1995: Implementation of the Group of 3 trade bloc

In 1995, the Group of 3 trade bloc, formed by Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, took effect, with the intention of reducing trade tariffs and creating a free trade bloc within a ten-year timeframe.

1997: Agreement to fight against Illicit Trafficking

In 1997, Colombia and Mexico signed an Agreement of Cooperation in the Fight against Illicit Trafficking Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

1998: Several Agreements in 1998

In 1998, Colombia and Mexico signed several agreements including a Tourist Cooperation Agreement, an Agreement for the Exchange of Non-Judicialized Information, an Agreement for Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Studies, Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and an Agreement of Cooperation on Legal Matters.

2006: Venezuela's withdrawal from the Group of 3

In 2006, Venezuela, under former President Hugo Chávez, announced its departure from the Group of 3 trade bloc, citing a strained relationship with the presidents of Mexico and Colombia.

2007: Continuation of the Group of 3 without Venezuela

In 2007, the Group of 3 trade bloc, initially formed by Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela, continued its operations without Venezuela's participation.

2009: Agreement to Avoid Double Taxation

In 2009, Colombia and Mexico signed an Agreement to Avoid Double Taxation and to Prevent Tax Evasion in Relation to Taxes on Income and on Equity.

2011: Extradition Treaty

In 2011, Colombia and Mexico signed an Extradition Treaty.

2015: Agreement to Prohibit and Prevent Theft of Cultural Property

In 2015, Colombia and Mexico signed an Agreement to Prohibit and Prevent Theft and/or Theft, Introduction, Extraction and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property.

2017: Beginning of the "Dual Year" celebration

In 2017, Colombia and Mexico began a "Dual Year" celebration aimed at fostering closer relations and strengthening ties in areas such as culture, education, trade, and innovation.

2018: Continuation of the "Dual Year" celebration

In 2018, Colombia and Mexico continued their "Dual Year" celebration, promoting greater rapprochement and reinforcing connections through activities focused on culture, education, trade, and entrepreneurship.

July 2021: Visit by Colombian Vice-President to Mexico

In July 2021, Colombian Vice-President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucía Ramírez visited Mexico and met with her counterpart, Marcelo Ebrard, to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

2022: 200 years of diplomatic relations

In 2022, Colombia and Mexico celebrated 200 years of diplomatic relations.

2022: Tourism exchange

In 2022, over 700,000 Colombian citizens visited Mexico for tourism, becoming the third-largest group of visitors. Additionally, 389,000 Mexican citizens visited Colombia for tourism in 2022.

September 2023: Mexican President's visit to Colombia for drug conference

In September 2023, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador visited Cali, Colombia, to attend a Latin-American and Caribbean Conference on drugs and met with Colombian President Gustavo Petro to discuss the peace process in Colombia.

2023: Trade between the two nations totaled US$5.6 billion

In 2023, trade between Colombia and Mexico totaled US$5.6 billion. Colombia's main exports to Mexico included coal, crude oil, instant coffee, and automobile parts, while Mexico's main exports to Colombia included flat screen TVs, pure petroleum oil for tank-car, ship-tank or auto-tanks; corrugated rods or bars for reinforcement, for cement or concrete; shampoos; milk powder or pills; tequila and malt beer.