Lima, March 20, 2009.- Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Jaime Bermúdez Merizalde, reiterated the interest of his country in continuing to work hand-in-hand with the Andean Community General Secretariat in boosting Andean integration. 

During the ceremonial session held this afternoon on the occasion of his visit to the CAN General Secretariat, in Lima, the Colombian Foreign Minister stated that his presence in this organization is important because of the major challenges faced by the Andean Community. 

Among these, he stressed the importance of jointly confronting the threat of climate change, particularly given the forthcoming transcendental Copenhagen Conference in December 2009.

He stated that problems exist because of the diversity of criteria within the bloc, but that these are momentary.  “We trust that your clarity and the commitment to the guiding principles that inspire the CAN will help strengthen Andean integration and this institution.” he pointed out.   

After welcoming the Minister and the members of his delegation, the CAN Secretary General, Freddy Ehlers, expressed the will of the Andean organization to make the greatest efforts to consolidate the integration process.  “We are inspired by the Liberator Simón Bolívar and the utopia of that great nation of sister republics that is taking shape little by little,” he stressed.  

Ehlers took advantage of the occasion to thank the Government of Colombia and particularly Vice-Minister Clemencia Forero, for having last week hosted the Meeting of Plenipotentiary Presidential Delegates of the Andean Countries, entrusted basically with building a new strategic vision for the CAN in line with the new international situation.