By Muhamad Sohail
On November 9 and 10, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský attended the fourth EU–CELAC summit in Santa Marta, Colombia. Leaders from the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) discussed deepening cooperation in trade, security, and the defense of the international rule of law. The result of the summit is a joint declaration outlining the framework for cooperation in the years to come.
“Europe and Latin America are naturally close to each other. We are united by a shared interest in peace, prosperity, and respect for international law. The joint declaration is a practical tool to transform this partnership into concrete projects in energy, digitalization, and sustainability,” said Minister Jan Lipavský. The declaration emphasizes cooperation in areas such as energy transformation, climate protection, food security, science and technology, and the economy.
The summit was co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, with Colombia currently holding the presidency of CELAC. The discussions followed up on the agreement made by leaders in Brussels in 2023 to hold summit meetings every two years. The summit in Colombia fulfilled this commitment, and leaders confirmed their intention to continue this biennial cycle.
In addition to the official program and a series of bilateral meetings with Latin American foreign ministers, Minister Lipavský also met with a representative from the Czech company ENERGO-PRO, which is building hydropower plants in Latin America. This is currently the largest Czech investment in the region.
“Trade relations with Latin America are a priority for the Czech Republic. The region offers attractive markets and access to key raw materials essential for the modern economy. I am pleased to have heard another successful example of Czech technologies and manufacturers on the global stage in Santa Marta,” said Minister Jan Lipavský.
The Czech Republic has long supported the rapid approval and ratification of the EU agreements with Mercosur and Mexico. Their entry into force would lower export costs and remove a number of customs and non-tariff barriers, thereby facilitating Czech exporters’ access to Latin American markets. Minister Lipavský reiterated his support for these agreements during his talks in Santa Marta, Colombia.
