German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock advocated closer cooperation on energy and environmental issues as she met with Colombian Vice President Franca Marquez in Latin America’s fourth-largest country.

Ms. Burbock and Ms. Marquez also discussed raw materials, women’s rights and the Colombian peace process that is hoped to end the country’s civil war after nearly six decades in Cali.

The government of President Gustavo Petros, who took office in August 2022, wants to expand the use of renewable energy sources as much as possible, and that of Chancellor Olaf Solz is in favor of strengthening bilateral cooperation in this field.

Bogota is particularly interested in the production, use and export of hydrogen, which Berlin could help with.

“Colombia has enormous potential” to become a “heavyweight player in renewables and hydrogen,” said Ms. Burbock, who belongs to the Green Party.

The German government also wants closer cooperation on raw materials, amid China’s efforts to increase its influence.

Ms. Marquez, 41, is Colombia’s first Afro-Colombian vice president. The human rights and environmental activist has notably fought against illegal gold miners — risking her life.

Ms. Burbock presented her with an award from Unidas, a network of women from Germany, Latin America and the Caribbean, for her struggles for women’s rights and democracy.

Cali, with a population of 2.5 million, is Colombia’s third largest city of approximately 50 million citizens.