Colombian President Gustavo Petro has set the stage for a dynamic new chapter in China-Latin America ties, announcing Colombia's formal entry into China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during his visit to Beijing. In an exclusive interview with CMG, Petro described the move as a bridge between 'the Jaguar of the Americas and the Chinese Dragon,' symbolizing a fusion of cultural and economic ambitions.
🔹 Economic Synergy: Petro emphasized plans to boost bilateral trade, particularly in green energy and tech innovation. 'We're not just exchanging goods—we're building pathways for sustainable development,' he said, highlighting Colombia's interest in China's renewable energy expertise.
🔹 Cultural Bonds: Beyond economics, the president envisions student exchange programs and joint cultural projects. 'Imagine [Colombian writer] García Márquez’s magic realism meeting China’s literary giants—this is how we create shared futures,' he added with a smile.
🔹 Global Vision: The announcement came during the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, marking 10 years of collaboration. Petro stressed that South-South cooperation like this 'redefines globalization with equality at its core.'
