Colombian embassy in Turkey celebrates Independence Day

ANKARA

The Colombian Embassy in Turkey on Wednesday held a reception to mark the country's Independence Day in capital Ankara.

Newly appointed ambassador Julio Anibal Riano received guests at the Atakule, emblematic observation tower and one of the primary landmarks in the capital.

Delivering a speech at the reception, director of the Trade, Investment and Tourism Bureau of Colombia -- ProColombia --, Marcela Monroy invited Turkish people to visit the Latin American country to boost cultural and economic ties.

Monroy also reminded that Turkey is the 5th largest commercial partner in Colombia.

For the celebrations, Atakule was illuminated with the colors of Colombian flag.

Guests enjoyed a concert by Colombian musician Yoiner Perdomo and tasted traditional food from Colombian cuisine.

Colombia's national day celebrations fall between July 20 -- the day in 1810 when people in Bogota proclaimed independence from Spanish rule -- until Aug. 7, the day they won the Battle of Boyaca in 1819.