“Colombia reaffirms that cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect remain living expressions of freedom and courageous acts of confidence in the future.”
Edited by Anna Popper
The National Day of Colombia, observed annually on 20 July, commemorates the beginning of the country’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1810.
The movement ultimately culminated in the decisive Battle of Boyacá on 7 August 1819, when the forces led by the Liberator Simón Bolívar secured a historic victory that paved the way for Colombia’s sovereignty.
The name “Colombia”, derived from the surname of Christopher Columbus – although the explorer never set foot in the country – was adopted as a powerful symbol of the ideals of discovery, liberty and the emergence of a new nation in the Americas.
Known worldwide as the “Country of Beauty”, Colombia captivates visitors with its spectacular natural landscapes, striking geographical contrasts, exceptional biodiversity, vibrant multicultural traditions, and the warmth and resilience of its people. Stretching from the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Ocean) to the Pacific Ocean and from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest, Colombia is recognised as the second most biodiverse country in the world, after Brazil.
On the occasion of Independence Day, H.E. Mr. Ignacio Enrique Ruiz Perea, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Hungary, and Mrs. María Adela Coral hosted a reception on 17 July 2026, held at the Hungarian Heritage House in Budapest.
The celebration brought together representatives of the Hungarian Government, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Hungary, business leaders, academics, artists, members of the Colombian community and numerous friends of Colombia, reflecting the broad network of partnerships and friendships that continue to unite the two countries.
The official programme commenced with the national anthems of Colombia and Hungary.
The ceremony continued with the welcoming remarks of the Guest of Honour, Ambassador Iván Medveczky, Deputy State Secretary for Bilateral Relations with the South at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary.
Representing the Hungarian Government, he spoke with particular warmth and personal appreciation about Colombia. As Hungary’s former Ambassador in Latin America, he fondly recalled the years he had spent in the region during his professional career and emphasized how dear Colombia was to him. Drawing on his diplomatic experience, he highlighted the country’s remarkable beauty, its cultural richness, and the hospitality of its people. In his speech, Ambassador Medveczky underscored the shared values of freedom, mutual respect and international cooperation that underpin the excellent relationship between Hungary and Colombia. He noted that bilateral relations had expanded considerably over the past decade, marked by important diplomatic milestones. Hungary reopened its Embassy in Bogotá in 2016, followed by the opening of the Embassy of Colombia in Budapest in 2018. These developments, he stressed, represent far more than mere formal diplomatic achievements – they demonstrate the mutual determination of both countries to deepen political dialogue, strengthen economic cooperation, promote cultural exchanges, and encourage closer people-to-people contacts.
The Deputy State Secretary further underlined that successful international partnerships are built not only through governmental initiatives but also through continuous dialogue, effective communication and the active engagement of institutions, businesses, universities and civil societies. These human connections, he observed, create lasting bridges of understanding and friendship that contribute to a resilient and forward-looking bilateral relationship.
In closing, he reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to foster cooperation with Colombia and expressed his confidence that the friendship between the two nations will continue to flourish in the years to come.
His Excellency Ignacio Enrique Ruiz Perea, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Hungary took the stage and addressed the distinguished audience:
“It is a great honour for me to welcome you as we celebrate Colombia’s National Day here in Budapest, in this emblematic venue of Hungarian art and culture.
I would not like to begin these brief remarks without first extending a heartfelt message of solidarity and friendship to the brotherly people of Venezuela following the earthquakes that struck the country on 24 June 2026. This tragedy continues to have profound and visible consequences throughout Venezuela.
Colombia began its independent journey 216 years ago, and today we celebrate not only our independence but also our relationship with the world. At a time when new walls are being built with extraordinary speed and frequency, Colombia reaffirms that cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect remain living expressions of freedom and courageous acts of confidence in the future.
We have built bridges between Colombia and Hungary. Some are visible: political dialogue, academic and scientific cooperation, cultural exchanges, trade, investment, and the constant work carried out by our institutions. Others are quieter, yet equally powerful: the bridges students build by discovering new opportunities; researchers collaborating across borders; entrepreneurs finding possibilities where once there was only distance; artists demonstrating that creativity speaks a universal language; and all those who have chosen to transform geographical distance into an opportunity for connection.
Hungary and the Republic of Colombia have cultivated an honest and pragmatic relationship throughout 53 years of diplomatic relations. We are working to further deepen this partnership and make it more dynamic by strengthening political dialogue, expanding academic and scientific cooperation, promoting culture as a language of mutual understanding, and bringing our societies closer together.
We continue this work in areas such as education, where we consider it essential to renew the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme, which currently supports fifty Colombian scholarship holders. In return, we reciprocate this gesture through the Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme, offering opportunities to study at universities in my country.
Likewise, we are pleased to celebrate the signing of the Working Holiday Agreement last year, which will further strengthen the ties between our young people. We are also witnessing significant progress in fields such as agriculture, trade, culture, sports, and other sectors where we have identified the strengths and needs of both sides, and we will continue working in these areas on a daily basis through the Embassy.
Today’s celebration of our Independence Day holds particularly special meaning for me. It is the last time that I have the privilege, as Ambassador to Hungary, of commemorating Colombia’s National Day. For this reason, I feel profound gratitude today. Gratitude to the Hungarian Government and its institutions, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their constant willingness to engage in dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding; gratitude to the Diplomatic Corps, the academic community, the private sector, the Colombian community, and all of Colombia’s friends who have made it possible for our relationship to become closer, deeper, and more promising.
And, of course, I feel gratitude to the people who have accompanied me over the past four years with commitment, professionalism, and love for Colombia.
I am grateful for the constant support of my wife, María, and my children, Nico and Cami; for the excellent team at our Embassy – Sandra, Zsófi, Ági, Iris, Julio, Juan Sebastián, Tamás, and Mayra Elizabeth; and for those who were once an important part of our daily work – Benigna, Anett, Nora, Yulimar, Julián, Alejandro, and András.
I express my thanks for the invaluable support and representation to our Honorary Consul in Szeged, Dr. Katalin Nagy.
Together with all of them, I wish to share this important occasion as we celebrate another anniversary of Colombia’s independence, inviting you to enjoy the graceful dance of cumbia and the vibrant rhythms of Vallenato, which will introduce you to the spirit of Colombia, the ‘Country of Beauty’, ‘La Tierra de la Bellezza’.
Let us raise our glasses to Colombia: to its freedom, to the strength of its people, to the richness of its diversity, and to the beauty of a nation that never stops looking toward the future. Let us raise our glasses to Hungary: to its friendship, to its generosity, and to the bridges we have built together. Let us raise our glasses to a relationship that will continue to grow through new generations, new projects, and shared dreams.”
“¡Viva Colombia! Long Live Colombian-Hungarian Friendship! Thank you.”
The evening concluded with a reception featuring the diverse flavours of Colombian cuisine, offering guests a warm and welcoming atmosphere for conversation and networking to strengthen existing connections, and forge new relationships.
More than a celebration, the event illustrated one of diplomacy’s greatest strengths: its ability to transform official relations through culture and personal engagement into enduring partnerships built on trust, mutual understanding, and goodwill.
Celebration with the Colombian Community
The celebrations continued in the evening with another vibrant commemoration of Colombia’s Independence Day, organized for the Colombian diaspora in Hungary at their traditional venue in Budapest’s City Park, at the picturesque Boating Lake. Originally opened in 1870, this historic landmark changes with the seasons: in summer it is a tranquil boating lake, during winter it transforms into an extraordinary ice rank. The event unfolded in one of the capital’s most enchanting settings. Framed by the fairytale towers of Vajdahunyad Castle and just steps from the iconic Heroes’ Square, the venue provided a magnificent backdrop for an evening filled with Colombian music, dance, and national pride.
On this festive July evening, it was transformed into a lively celebration of Colombian culture, where the rhythms of traditional dance, joyful vibe, the community created a truly unforgettable atmosphere. Families, friends, and guests gathered to celebrate their heritage, share cherished traditions, and enjoy an evening that reflected the vibrant spirit, unity, and hospitality of Colombia.
Bidding Farewell to Colombia’s Ambassador to Hungary
As Ambassador Ignacio Enrique Ruiz Perea concludes his distinguished diplomatic mission in Hungary, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on his successful tenure and our sincere, best wishes for the next chapter of his life.
During his four-year posting in Budapest, Ambassador Ruiz Perea worked with dedication and commitment to further strengthen the excellent relations between Colombia and Hungary, while making Colombia more visible and better known in Hungary by promoting its rich culture, remarkable tourism potential, economic opportunities, and shared values. His tireless efforts to build bridges have undoubtedly contributed to deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Your Excellency, Dear Ambassador, we would also like to express our deep appreciation to your wife, Mrs. María Adela Coral, whose unwavering support, dedication, and companionship have been a constant source of strength throughout your professional – diplomatic career. Like so many diplomats’ spouses, she has played an invaluable role behind the scenes, embracing each new posting with grace, dignity, and remarkable adaptability, while maintaining a cherished connection to her native Argentina.
As you and your family, including your two children embark on this new chapter and make Argentina your home once again, we wish you good health, happiness, and every success in the years ahead. May this well-deserved new beginning give you joy, fulfilment, and many treasured moments with family and friends.
Bogotá Hosts First Global Meeting of Colombia’s Honorary Consuls
With the aim of strengthening institutional ties, sharing experiences, and consolidating a joint strategy for cooperation, the First Meeting of Colombia’s Honorary Consuls abroad was held on 27 July 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogotá, bringing together honorary consular representatives who play a valuable role in supporting Colombia’s foreign policy across different continents.
The event was presided over by Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio and Deputy Minister of Migration, Consular Affairs and International Protection Paula Andrea Cerón Arboleda. In their speeches, they highlighted the vital role honorary consuls play in promoting Colombia’s interests, protecting its citizens abroad and strengthening the country’s international partnerships. Participants exchanged experiences on providing assistance to Colombian nationals abroad, promoting trade, cultural, and tourism opportunities, and addressing the challenges faced by honorary consular missions in their respective jurisdictions. They also highlighted best practices that strengthen Colombia’s presence on the international stage and expand opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
The meeting concluded with the Diploma Award Ceremony for Honorary Consuls of Colombia Abroad, held as part of the Civil Service Milestone Recognition Ceremony in the Simón Bolívar Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Representing Hungary, Dr. Katalin Ágnes Nagy, Honorary Consul of Colombia in Szeged, received her Commendation Diploma from Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio and Deputy Minister Paula Andrea Cerón Arboleda, in recognition of her invaluable contribution to Colombian diplomacy, her dedicated consular assistance to Colombian citizens, and her outstanding commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the Republic of Colombia and Hungary.
The First Meeting of Honorary Consuls provided an important opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of Colombia’s honorary consuls, who, from their countries of residence, serve as strategic partners in advancing Colombia’s national interests while simultaneously fostering friendship and cooperation between nations.
Source: Embassy of Colombia in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Colombia, Diplomatic Press Agency, Colombia.co, Colombia.travel
