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ABOUT US

About the Ambassador

Ambassador Gilles Bertrand is originally from Marseille, France and studied business administration and political science.  He has more than 20 years of experience in the European Union (EU) institutions, especially in foreign policy and international cooperation.

He worked particularly in Foreign Affairs, specializing in the neighboring countries of the European Union and the Arab-Muslim world. He was part of the EU Delegation in Afghanistan, where he was in charge of relations with Sri Lanka and was a member of the cabinet of the European Commissioner in charge of the European Union's Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy. In his most recent positions, he was Team Leader for the Brussels Conferences on the Syrian Crisis and then Chargé d'Affaires/Head of Delegation to the Syrian Arab Republic (based in Beirut). He has also worked outside the European institutions leading social inclusion organizations. He has been Ambassador of the European Union to Colombia since September 28, 2021.

  • Embajador Gilles Bertrand

Message from the Ambassador

A message for Colombia

Dear friends,

I welcome you to the website of the Delegation of the European Union to Colombia where you can find information about our relations with this wonderful country, from the political sphere, through the extensive programs of cooperation, peace, human rights, environment, in addition to the implementation of the Trade Agreement between EU-Colombia since 2013. 

It is an honor for me to be the Ambassador of the European Union to Colombia. A country that surprises for its people, its culture, its biodiversity, its nature and above all its different places and corners full of so much magic and charm. I can strongly affirm that we enjoy a solid and plural relationship, based on mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. Projecting the values and interests of the European Union in this country allows us to strengthen our relations on a daily basis and to support Colombia in achieving peace, prosperity, development and stability and improving the quality of life of its citizens. Values such as solidarity, peace, commitment to democracy and human rights, including gender equality and good governance, are at the heart of our agenda with Colombia and the pillar of our actions. This makes us partners and friends in a joint agenda that goes beyond borders and unites us in a close bond of friendship.

Together with the Member States of the European Union, we work hand in hand with Colombia and its different actors, including the national government, civil society, academia and its universities, and the private sector to implement an agenda that overcomes the challenges of the global situation. Our headquarters are located in Bogotá, but we are present in almost all of Colombia through the projects we support and the pleasure we get from being able to meet with Colombians from different sectors, cities and villages.

I hope that by browsing the website you can have the opportunity to learn more about the European Union and conclude, for yourselves, why we strongly say that #EuropaCreeEnColombia.