My first encounter with Japan was in July 2009. I was Colombia’s chief trade negotiator and after a round of negotiations with South Korea for a free trade agreement, I came to Tokyo to visit a friend who was director of the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation Representation Office in Japan. In August 2011, I took over that position and moved to Tokyo, and since April 2019, I have been Colombia’s ambassador.

More than a motto, every day, along with my wife and kids, we recite the reiki affirmations: Just for today, I will not be angry, I will not worry, I will be kind to others, I will be grateful and I will work hard. Remembering these simple affirmations and trying to behave like this every day we can contribute to better living as a family.

One of my proudest achievements has been concluding the free trade agreement with the European Union. As a result of that agreement, Colombian producers have substantially increased their exports to the EU, and the bilateral economic relationship has expanded, impacting positively the livelihood of our citizens.

My goals as ambassador from Colombia to Japan are centered on the expansion of the bilateral relationship of the two countries in all areas, but particularly in the fields of trade, investment and cooperation.

My advice is to enjoy traveling all over Japan, to be open to explore new activities and to mix with locals and learn from them.