October 12, Bogota, Colombia. Our Representative to Colombia, Dr. Randy Thompson, has reported success in negotiations with the Segunda, the Parliamentary Commission for foreign relations.
After months of negotiations, several heads of state-level governments agreed to recognize Liberland. The country has been invited to open a Consulate in two separate departments (e.g., states).
The government of Manizales, state of Caldas, a university city and hotbed of technology development, has held high-level talks with our representative. They will offer five-year tax abatement for residents and citizens wishing to buy property, invest, or open a business there.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognized the Liberland Passport as a valid document for internal identification. This means a Liberlander needs no other document to book or check in at a hotel, purchase goods or go to a restaurant.
Our Passport is also reported as valid for travel within Mercosur. Mercosur operates on a one for all policy, wherein if a passport holder receives a visa or stamp from one member country, they are granted visa-free access to the other nations within the compact.
Following those successful meetings, the Colombian senate agreed to hold continued talks with the Liberland representative. Over the following months, discussions will take the place of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding, with the ultimate aim of opening a formal embassy and securing full passport recognition.
We are, slowly but surely, achieving parity with other countries and building a reputation of seriousness and respect for international law in the international community.