On September 30, the 31st regular meeting of the Andean Community (CAN) Council of Foreign Ministers was held in Bogotá, Colombia. During the session, member states unanimously approved a resolution to officially admit China as an observer country to the organization. This marks a significant milestone in China’s engagement with Latin American regional institutions.
Russian media outlet Sputnik News reported that CAN member nations praised China’s “consistent role in global governance and international affairs,” emphasizing that its observer status “carries historical importance.” They expressed hope that this development would “foster deeper cooperation, support regional economic integration, and promote sustainable development, while safeguarding the shared interests of developing countries.”
Zhang Liping, the chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Colombia, attended the meeting as China’s representative. In his remarks, Zhang commended CAN’s decision and reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with Latin American partners to implement the “Five Major Projects” of the China-Latin America community with a shared future. He highlighted the potential for new bilateral and multilateral collaborations that would benefit both sides.
During the meeting, Ecuador assumed the rotating presidency of the CAN from Colombia for a one-year term.
Established in May 1969, the Andean Community is a key regional economic integration organization in Latin America. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, it currently comprises four member states: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. Chile and Venezuela withdrew from the organization in 1976 and 2006, respectively. The CAN aims to harness regional resources, promote balanced and coordinated development among its members, eliminate tariff barriers, and accelerate the formation of a common market to advance economic integration.
Source: Sputnik News, October 1, 2025
https://sputniknews.cn/20251001/1067684092.html