Special Lecture by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia H.E.Carlos Holmes Trujillo was held

Special Lecture by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia H.E. Carlos Holmes Trujillo was held at the Yotsuya Campus International Conference Hall on December 20. Among Law Degree from University of Cauca, Mr. Trujillo also earned Master Degree in International Business at Graduate School of Sophia University. During his visit to Japan for Japan-Colombia Foreign Minister’s Meeting, this special opportunity was made possible.

At an opening of the lecture, Professor Noriko Hataya of Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Hispanic Studies introduced Mr. Trujillo’s long time contributions in diplomatic affair and public service of Colombia including his work as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Colombia to the UN among other important rolls. After President Yoshiaki Terumichi welcomed Mr. Trujillo with his speech, 30 prominent publications of Colombia including works of Colombian Novel Prized novelist Garcia Marquez were presented from Mr. Trujillo with his hope to enrich researches in related fields at Sophia University.

In his lecture he expressed his affection for Japan and Sophia University where he had spent his memorable time in the past as well as his sincere hope for valuable relation between Japan and Colombia to grow as two countries celebrate 110 years of the diplomatic relations. He addressed current challenges of Colombia for peacekeeping and regional stability under the command of President Duque and also emphasized the need of understandings and cooperation of global communities for crisis and the refugee issues of Venezuela, Colombia’s neighboring country.

After his lecture wide range of questions were asked: regarding from the tax treaty just signed between Japan and Colombia, security issues and the continuing battle with anti-government groups to education and investment opportunities in Colombia from businesspeople and students of South America, diplomats of other nations as well as students and faculty members of Sophia and other universities. After responding to each question sincerely, the lecture concluded with his comment that it was such a joy for him to be given a special opportunity returning to Sophia where he dreamed of being placed in his current position. In the end flower bouquet was presented to Mr. Trujillo by Rina Kitahara, Senior student of Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Hispanic Studies who attended the short term exchange program at Javeriana University in Colombia.

Sophia University

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