Colombia has expressed interest in joining the BRICS group as part of its effort to expand international alliances and access new funding opportunities. Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed the country’s interest during a visit to Moscow last week, citing ongoing discussions with the Shanghai-based BRICS New Development Bank, headed by Dilma Rousseff.

Murillo’s visit also aimed to strengthen bilateral ties with Russia, marking a step towards reactivating relations ahead of the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that both countries plan to resume work on a bilateral commission to enhance cooperation in trade, economics, and science. Discussions included cultural and academic exchanges, with Murillo receiving the title of Emeritus Professor from a Russian university.

"Colombia is a promising partner for Russia in Latin America. The two countries’ relations are based on traditional friendship and cooperation, mutual trust and respect. In 2025, they will mark 90 years of their diplomatic relations," the Kremlin stated.

The talks addressed global issues such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Murillo reiterated Colombia’s willingness to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war and promote political dialogue.

“We invite [Russia and Ukraine] to resolve this in political and diplomatic dialogues, to talk about peace. […] Bogotà is ready to contribute insofar as they request it,” said Murillo.

Meanwhile, during a virtual conference organised by the University of La Sabana on November 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticised Colombia for not attending a recent peace summit in Switzerland.

“It is a pity that the President of Colombia did not go (to the summit). We hope that Colombia can find a way to unite on this path to restore justice," Zelenskiy said.

In addition to geopolitical matters, Colombia raised concerns about the global climate crisis, seeking Russian support for international environmental initiatives. Both nations discussed ways to deepen cooperation on multilateral platforms, including at the United Nations.