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Colombia welcomes the Energy Charter delegation in Bogotá to discuss further steps

On 22 June the Deputy Secretary General Selim Küneralp and the regulatory expert Ernesto Bonafé visited Bogotá, following the signature of the International Energy Charter by Colombia last month in The Hague. DSG Küneralp and Mr Bonafé were received by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade Mrs Mariana Sarasti, and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs they were received by Ms Andrea Guerrero, Director of Economic Affairs, and by the Deputy Minister of Energy Mr Carlos Fernando Eraso.

During these meetings DSG Küneralp expressed satisfaction that Colombia has signed the International Energy Charter and next steps were discussed regarding the relationship of Colombia as new observer to the Energy Charter and the benefits from integrating the process. The possibility of organising workshops and seminars, on a national or regional basis, was also discussed.

The idea of a seminar for the benefit of the academic, administration and business community on the principles and rules of the Energy Charter was most welcome by the Universidad del Externado, in a meeting with the Department of Mineral Energy Law directed by Professor Luis Ferney Moreno. Another meeting was held on 23 June with Mr Carlos Mantilla, Vice-President of the Hydrocarbons National Agency, who expressed the importance that Colombia is taking part of the international developments within the Energy Charter and the interest in playing an active role.