Alocer’s leadership as First Lady is prominent for her active involvement in social causes. She mainly focuses on the well-being of vulnerable groups, such as children, youth, women, and the elderly, and advocates social justice, human rights, and peacebuilding.

Ahram Online: Areas of bilateral cooperation seem promising. What are the most prominent outcomes of your visit to Cairo this time? 

Verónica Alcocer: On the official side, the meetings with Minister of Health Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsi, and the National Council for Women, led by Judge Amal Mahmoud Atta Ammar, went very well. We discussed ongoing programmes in Egypt and Colombia and through the embassy, which will explore concrete areas of cooperation focused on women and children.

On the spiritual side, both meetings with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb and Pope Tawadros were genuinely inspiring. My message was about how love can transform the world; if we give a little of the love we receive from God, we can change the world for the better. I firmly believe in reconciliation and peace and stand against war and the suffering of innocent people. We had an excellent dialogue, and the exchange deeply moved me.

We also visited Nasser Institute Hospital for Research and Treatment with Minister Abdel Ghaffar, which was a touching experience. I had the chance to speak privately with patients, especially children, and listen to their stories.

We also visited "Threads of Hope" with Margarita Andrade, the founder of Malaika, which supports women and children from Sudan and South Sudan by providing training in embroidery and other handcraft to give the household a new way of life and income.

My time in Egypt has been a valuable learning experience. I hope to bring some ideas and programmes I encountered back to Colombia to strengthen our initiatives. After this visit, I hope many civil servants and ministers will come to Colombia to learn about our experiences and social development programmes.

AO: Egypt and Colombia have long-standing cultural ties, friendship, mutual understanding, and close cooperation. How can these be extended to broader horizons?

Verónica Alcocer: To broaden Egypt-Colombia relations, both governments need to prioritize and institutionalize these areas of cooperation by focusing on diplomacy, trade, culture, people-to-people connections, and collaboration on global challenges, such as climate change and sustainable development. These efforts can foster a more robust and multifaceted partnership that benefits both countries and contributes to international peace and development.

In some ways, my visit is a step towards enhancing this relationship, as genuine progress begins with human connections. Meeting human beings and fostering mutual understanding can build stronger ties and pave the way for deeper cooperation that benefits both countries and their people.

 AO: Cultural relations are essential in the two countries, characterized by diversity and richness. In your view, how can they be developed for both countries?

Verónica Alcocer: Culture has no borders. It is a way of understanding different cultures and diverse societies. It is a powerful reminder that, although societies are shaped by their distinct histories, environments, and circumstances, culture is a fluid and dynamic force of love. It binds us as humans, offering a common ground for dialogue, learning, and mutual respect. We can promote a more inclusive, empathetic, and harmonious world by embracing cultural diversity as a strength rather than a divide.

Business, for example, begins with cultural understanding — who we are and how we can relate to each other. Culture creates trust, which is essential in business.

My trip to Egypt will show Colombia — who we are — and promote our country. After this trip, we expect many high-level visits to share our programmes, cooperate in various fields, and showcase the beauty, biodiversity, and wonderful people that make Colombia unique. My trip delivers a message about how we can connect as human beings.

 AO: Egypt and Colombia will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez. How do you view this?

Verónica Alcocer: Gabriel García Márquez is one of the icons of world literature, and we are very proud that he is Colombian. García Márquez wrote about our culture and traditions, weaving stories that span different times and realities. He is best known for his masterful blend of reality and fantasy in the genre of magical realism, which allowed him to explore the complexities of Latin American history while delving deeply into the intricacies of human nature, social structures, and political realities, as well as themes of love and human existence.

The celebration of Gabriel García Márquez’s 100th anniversary in Egypt is a powerful symbol of how cultural diplomacy can unite nations. It’s a celebration not just of one man’s literary genius but also of the shared belief in the importance of storytelling, the power of imagination, and the value of cultural exchange. This anniversary presents an opportunity to honour the memory of one of the greatest writers of our time and to reflect on how his work continues to inspire people across the globe — from the heart of Colombia to the banks of the Nile.

AO: Egyptian women play an important role in the community, reaping many gains and holding many ministerial positions. How do you see this Egyptian progress? And what about your view of the role of Colombian women in your country?

Verónica Alcocer: As I have heard and witnessed, Egyptian women have made remarkable progress, possessing key leadership roles and contributing significantly to their communities. Similarly, Colombian women are resilient leaders in community development, continually advancing their rights and opportunities. 

I had the privilege of meeting many inspiring Egyptian women during my visit. I was honoured to connect with Egypt's First Lady, H.E. Mrs Entissar El Sisi, a remarkable woman dedicated to supporting women and children nationwide. Additionally, I met Maya Morsi, the minister of social solidarity, and the new director of the National Council of Women. Both are leading impactful initiatives to empower women and drive societal change.

 AO: You have met Egypt's first lady, Mrs Entissar El-Sisi. Can you highlight this relationship meeting and how it helps to foster relations between the two countries?

Verónica Alcocer:  Meeting Egypt's First Lady, Mrs Entissar El-Sisi, was an honour and a meaningful moment that reflects the deepening connections between nations and the shared values of humanity. Her warmth and dedication to initiatives supporting women and children created the foundation for meaningful dialogue on shared priorities, such as empowering vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable development.

By fostering such personal and professional connections, Colombia and Egypt can strengthen their partnership and explore new opportunities for cooperation, ultimately benefiting both nations and their people. 

AO: The world is witnessing many wars and conflicts in different regions. As a Colombian woman and a mother, what is your message to the world in this regard?

Verónica Alcocer: As a Colombian woman and a mother, I believe peace begins with understanding and compassion. Colombia has endured its history of conflict, and we have learned that dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for human dignity are the only paths to lasting peace.

I believe in the power of mothers and women to nurture empathy, teach the value of life, and build bridges in divided communities. I hope that we, as a global society, choose cooperation over division and invest in creating a world where future generations can live in harmony and prosperity.

Love is humanity's primary driving force. I promote reconciliation, solidarity, tolerance, and peace, using art, culture, and active dialogue to transform the social fabric and foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

I strongly oppose war. Too often, the egos of some leaders harm innocent people. As I agreed with the Grand Imam, the arms industry is a significant cause of the tragedies unfolding around the world. World leaders — political, religious, and those with influence — must make every effort to establish global peace.

 AO: Finally, first lady, would you like to send a message to the readers and Egyptians through Ahram online?

Verónica Alcocer: As the First Lady of Colombia, I am deeply honoured to send my warmest regards to the readers and people of Egypt. Our two nations share a long history of friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchange. Through these connections, we continue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation for a brighter future.

I firmly believe that, through dialogue, collaboration, and compassion, we can overcome challenges and work together for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our communities. May we continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations and inspire the world with our shared values of peace, unity, and mutual support. 

Colombia is a wonderful country, and I hope many Egyptians will have the opportunity to visit. It is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, being the second most biodiverse nation in the world, and for its warmth and strength of our people. Visitors will find happiness, joy, music, and dance that reflect the heart and soul of our vibrant culture.