Colombia Honors U.S. Senators Rubén Gallego and Bernie Moreno for Their Historic Election to the United States Senate

Washington, D.C., April 8, 2025

In celebration of the bilateral relationship between Colombia and the United States, the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, D.C., hosted a ceremony to honor Senators Rubén Gallego and Bernie Moreno for their historic election to the U.S. Senate.

Senators Rubén Gallego, Democrat from Arizona, and Bernie Moreno, Republican from Ohio, are the first U.S. senators of Colombian descent, a milestone that reflects both nations’ shared democratic values and the growing contributions of Colombian Americans to the social, economic, and political fabric of the United States.

The event, held at the Embassy of Colombia, not only celebrated the individual achievements of both legislators but also reaffirmed the strategic depth of the Colombia-U.S. relationship, a partnership built over two centuries and continually strengthened by millions of Colombians and Colombian Americans who contribute to its progress across every sector.

During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Colombia to the United States, Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, said:

“This is a simple yet deeply meaningful act. We are here to honor Senators Rubén Gallego and Bernie Moreno. On the night of Bernie’s election, and days later, when Rubén’s victory was confirmed, I can say with certainty that in Colombia, regardless of political affiliation, we all felt immense pride in seeing you both take your seats in the United States Senate. It is a shared pride that transcends differences, a reflection not only of the strength of our bilateral relationship but of how Colombians in this country have helped shape and continue to strengthen the bond between our two nations.”

Both senators expressed their gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a forward-looking agenda between Colombia and the United States.

Senator Rubén Gallego stated:

“It is an honor to be at the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, alongside my colleague Bernie Moreno. We are the first Colombian Americans elected to the U.S. Senate, a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our community. This moment also underscores the value of the relationship between Colombia and the United States, one rooted in prosperity, security, and mutual respect between our two cultures and nations. I look forward to helping strengthen that bond in the years ahead.”

Senator Bernie Moreno added:

“It is a great honor to be welcomed at the Residence of the Ambassador of Colombia. Colombia and the United States share a common culture and a partnership that can grow even stronger. In August, I will lead a delegation to Colombia to meet with political and business leaders and explore new opportunities for cooperation. As the first U.S. senator born in South America, I embrace this responsibility with a firm commitment to deepening ties with Colombia and the wider region, contributing to greater hemispheric integration.”

The reception brought together members of Congress from both parties, representatives of the diplomatic corps, multilateral organizations, the private sector, academia, think tanks, and civil society, a reflection of the shared values and enduring friendship that unite Colombia and the United States.