Colombia Commits To Enhancing Cultural Ties With Malaysia

By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Colombia is committed to enhancing its cultural ties with Malaysia, particularly in gastronomy, said the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Colombia in Malaysia, Juan Carlos Moreno Gutierrez.

He said it is timely for Colombia to increase its cultural activities in Malaysia, in preparation for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.

According to Moreno Gutierrez, although bilateral relations between Colombia and Malaysia will mark four decades next year, the two countries share similarities that remain largely unknown, especially among Malaysians.

“Colombia and Malaysia share similarities as both are tropical countries and have a lot of spicy food. But so far, only Colombian coffee is popular in Malaysia,” he told Bernama when met at the “A Night in Colombia” event here recently. 

The Embassy of Colombia in Malaysia was opened in 1997, while Colombia and Malaysia formally established diplomatic relations on Aug 19, 1987.

During the event, Bogota-born chef Fernando Arevalo, owner of the Michelin Guide-listed Colombian restaurant Latido in Singapore, was brought to Malaysia to showcase Colombian cuisine through specially prepared dishes for guests.

Among the menu items served were Pan De La Casa (bread of the house), a signature homemade rye bread by chef  Arevalo, Sopa de Langosta (lobster soup with capers, potato, and avocado) and Costilla A La Parrilla (grilled beef short ribs, shimeji mushrooms, buckwheat, and grilled salad).

According to Moreno Gutierrez, Colombia and Malaysia have been exchanging visits this year, with 11  Colombian mayors visiting Kuala Lumpur City Hall in April to strengthen cooperation and networking.

Last month, the Malaysian Timber Council participated in Interzum, a furniture and wood-processing trade fair held in Bogota.

-- BERNAMA