As part of the activities to mark the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Colombia in 2019, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia, organized a 14-week training course in Spanish language and culture for diplomats and government officials. The training, which ran from 2^nd September to 11^th December 2019, was the first cooperation of its kind between the DVIFA and the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia.

          On 3^rd December 2019, Ms. Lada Phumas, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs hosted a lunch for H.E. Ms. Ana Maria Prieto Abad, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia and Ms. Biviana Marcela Acevedo Olarte, who was assigned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia to lead the training. Also present was Mr. Adiplin Panupong, Counsellor, Latin America Division, Department of America and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and officials from the DVIFA. Ms. Phumas expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Columbian side, congratulated them on the success of the course and took the opportunity to explore the possibility of other forms of cooperation.

          Ms. Acevedo Olarte, who has more than 9 years of experience in teaching Spanish from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, the top university of the Republic of Colombia, provided training for participants at beginner and lower intermediate levels. A total 19 people from 7 agencies completed the training.      In addition to improving language skills and knowledge of Spanish and Colombian society and culture, the course paved the way for future collaboration and strengthened linkages between the people of both countries.