Colombian Ambassador to Korea Juan Carlos Caiza visited Chung-Ang University (CAU) on August 16.

Juan Carlos Caiza served as Consultor at PNUD (2014-2018), implementing a 4-million-dollar worth project, and Vice Minister of Transportation. He started to serve as Colombian ambassador to Korea in June, 2019 after serving as Consul of Colombia in the city of New York.

His visit was made to have a discussion on cooperative measures between CAU and prestigious Colombian universities including student exchange and joint research. From CAU, President Kim Chang-soo and Vice President for International Affairs Hong Jun-hyun attended the meeting.

Vice President Hong first gave a brief introduction on CAU’s history, current status and major research achievements. Ambassador Carlos showed a strong interest in CAU’s research activities, industry-university collaboration and development strategies. He requested the Office of International Affairs to provide some brochures, showing his will to introduce CAU to the Colombian Ministries.

Ambassador Carlos said, “As K-pop is gaining popularity in Colombia, Colombians’ interest in Korea has increased and Colombia wants to deepen its relations with Korea.” He added, “I believe that CAU’s major programs and development strategies are in line with the goal of the Colombian government for the development of higher education. The Colombian embassy will serve as a bridge that connects CAU and major Colombian universities for further exchange.” In reply, President Kim said, “We hope that cooperation with the Colombian embassy help us develop new collaborative programs in various fields with major Colombian universities.”

On the occasion of the meeting, CAU and the Colombian embassy agreed to pursue a variety of programs. Also, President Kim promised to visit the Colombian embassy and discuss detailed plans for prescheduled events including a delegation visit from prestigious Colombian University Pontificia Universidad Javeriana to CAU in early September, Colombian government officials’ visit to CAU in early October and holding a special lecture for students in late October.

CAU has signed a student exchange agreement with two Colombian universities including Universidad de los Andes (QS World University Rankings 2020: 234th) and the ambassador’s visit to CAU is expected to promote exchange between CAU and Colombian universities.