TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The chairs of the foreign relations committees from both houses of congress in Colombia attended a dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), reports said Wednesday.

Senate Committee Chair Oscar Mauricio Giraldo Hernandez and Chamber of Deputies Committee Chair Alvaro Mauricio Londono Lugo are visiting Taiwan Nov. 24-28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. It was the first trip to Taiwan for both senior legislators.

Their itinerary included the Legislative Yuan, the International Cooperation and Development Fund, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Center. The group is also planning to visit the Garden of Hope Foundation and tour the YesHealth iFarm in Taoyuan.

At Tuesday’s dinner, Lin thanked both senior lawmakers for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, and for promoting bilateral relations. Taiwan and Colombia do not maintain official diplomatic relations, but a Colombian delegation of lawmakers visiting in September expressed the hope that their country could open a representative office in Taiwan.

The foreign minister emphasized the potential for cooperation on green energy, smart agriculture, and digital innovation. The art and music sectors have also seen exchanges closing the gap between the people of both countries, Lin said.

Giraldo expressed interest in Taiwan’s development of semiconductors, AI, and smart healthcare, while Londono lauded the country’s achievements in technology and public health.