This year marks 150 years of diplomatic relations between Colombia and Sweden, a history guided by a shared vision around peace, equality, innovation, democracy and sustainable development.
As part of this celebration, the ARC Ship Gloria, after 19 years returns to the capital city of Sweden, Stockholm.
There are many stories that reflect the partnership between Colombia and Sweden, two countries that from the very beginning decided to be allies to make the impossible possible. Sweden and Colombian were together in the liberating campaign; the naval cooperation is currently represented by the anchor arranged at the entrance of the ARC Naval Base Bahía Málaga, which recalls the collaboration of the Swedish government for its construction in 1984; the tropics arrive in Stockholm with its yellow butterflies, and there is permanent support of Sweden to Colombia in all its efforts and peace dialogues.
This 2024 marks precisely the 150th anniversary of this partnership that has meant permanent collaboration and exchange in political, commercial, academic, migratory, cultural and development cooperation.
In order to celebrate, the Training Ship ARC Gloria arrives at the port of Stockholm on a four-day stopover in which it will open its doors to Colombians living in the Nordic country and admirers of Colombian culture, and also to them who want to learn more about the historical ties that unite both nations.
On board the Flagship of the Colombians, in addition to the culture, gastronomy, history and traditions of the South American nation, 165 crew members arrive, including 73 students of the Naval Cadet School Almirante Padilla who are ion the process of conducting their instruction and training cruise as part of their training to be the Officers of the future of the Colombian Navy. This voyage, which began last March 1 in Cartagena, has already been navigated more than 10 thousand nautical miles and more than 100 days of navigation, in which it has visited six ports in the United States and Europe.
At the Embassy of Colombia in Sweden, an agenda full of “magic realism” has been built to prepare the arrival of the ARC Gloria Ship, to visit the territory of Sweden an occasion to commemorate the 150 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations and partnership which count on memories, many achievements and fundamental results in terms of cooperation and integration.
“This will be an unforgettable experience for thousands of Colombians who, for one reason or another, emigrated to this Nordic country that welcomed them with open arms and where they have made a new life, together with their families and loved ones, and those who will find, with the arrival of the ARC Gloria Ship, an opportunity to make a trip to that homeland which they left but which is still in their minds and in their hearts,” said Guillermo Reyes, Colombian Ambassador to Sweden.
During the four days that the Colombian ship will stay in Stockholm, there will be very special events prepared to give the most joyful and beautiful welcome to our Ship, where cultural, artistic, gastronomic exhibitions and business opportunities for artisans, entrepreneurs, designers, among others will be experienced,” the ambassador added.
In this, which will be the sixth visit of the ARC Gloria Ship to Swedish territory, a historic bilateral meeting will be held on board between the heads of government of Colombia and Sweden, from where announcements of cooperation, investment, strengthening of partnership ties will come out. In the same way, technological and academic exchanges, knowledge transfer, innovation and experiences in the field of innovation, energy transition and mechanisms to combat climate change will be established. An agenda that reaffirms the excellent relations between two countries whose leaders have been assuming universal leadership in the achievement of peace, the defense of human rights and the environment, the protection of the Amazonas and the fight against climate change.
“The invitation is open for Hispanic Americans, Europeans and citizens of the world who are in this area, to get to know the Ship, to delight in the beauty and diversity of our country, with its flavors of coffee and other very Colombian products, to admire inside our historic ship that has been sailing the seas of the whole world since 1968," says Reyes.
For her part, the Swedish Ambassador to Colombia, Helena Storm, points out that: "This is an opportunity to celebrate in both countries more than a century and a half of a partnership to make the impossible possible. The desire for freedom, the desire to build a fair and respectful society of a planet which faces the threads with which we have forged a very heavy bond,” she said.
“We will continue to work for equality, democracy, peace and human rights. We will continue to talk about press freedom in the Amazonas region and in the territories, equality for women, sustainable innovation and teamwork with Swedish companies and local talent. We will continue to be Sweden a Sustainable Partner of Colombia.” she said.
All interested parties can follow this celebration throughout the year by following the official hashtag on social networks #LaHistoriaQueEscribemosJuntos
Source: Press - Navy of Colombia
