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Colombian Minister Opens Celac-Africa Forum Amid President's Absence

KVIA•Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 3:37 PM•CNN Newsource

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The high-level segment of the Celac-Africa Forum commenced in Bogotá, led by Colombia's Minister of Culture, Yannai Kadamani, due to the absence of President Gustavo Petro. The event, attended by leaders from Brazil, Uruguay, and Burundi, emphasizes cultural cooperation and aims to strengthen ties between Latin America and Africa in areas like food security and climate change. The forum, which has been ongoing for three days, is crucial as it precedes the X Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac), where Colombia will transfer its presidency to Uruguay. Kadamani highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation among nations and peoples, marking this as a significant step towards mutual support and understanding.

Key Details: • The forum is taking place at the Ágora convention center in Bogotá. • The X Celac Summit will occur on the same day as the forum's high-level segment. • Key topics include food security, energy transition, and climate response. • Colombia will hand over the pro tempore presidency of Celac to Uruguay.

culture cooperation africa forum celac

People & Organizations

Gustavo PetroLuiz Inácio Lula da SilvaBogotáFrancia MárquezYamandú OrsiYannai KadamaniEvariste NdayishimiyeÁgora convention centerCelac

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