Diplomatic relations between Colombia and Austria were established in October 1920. Their Embassies are situated in Bogota and Vienna, respectively. Austria has been a permanent ally of Colombia. During its Presidency of the European Union during the first semester of 2006, Austria gave its invaluable support to the country on the development of issues relating to the fight against illegal drugs and the CAN-EU Association Agreement.

Colombia has been deeply interested in a bilateral political dialogue. Thus, the Vice-president of the Republic officially visited Austria in March 2011 where he met with the President of the Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other high officials of the Austrian Government and Parliament.

In March 1999 a Memorandum of Understanding on High Level Political Consultations was signed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Colombia and Austria.

Commercial relations between the two countries have noticeably increased during the last few years, as well as Austrian foreign investment in Colombia. Eleven Austrian companies are currently present in Colombia. Likewise, several business missions have been received, the results of which have been businesses in the construction and mining industries for a significant amount of millions of Euros.

The first Meeting of the Bilateral Consultations Mechanism took place in Vienna in September 2011. It was chaired by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria. The latter stated his country’s support to the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia.

Main agreements in force:

• Memorandum of Understanding on High Level Political Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Colombia and Austria. 5/03/1999
• Visa elimination for holders of diplomatic, official or service passports agreement.14/01/1958.