Marco Rubio and Colombia’s president discuss relaunching security cooperation

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on Tuesday in Barranquilla, northern Colombia, with President Abelardo De La Espriella to discuss relaunching bilateral security cooperation. The meeting took place as Washington strengthens ties with politically aligned governments in Latin America. Colombia’s president, who took office on August 7, said the talks focused on combating drug trafficking, improving economic relations and Colombia assuming a greater role in Western Hemisphere security. De La Espriella said his country would remain an ally of the United States, including in its relations with Venezuela.

Marco Rubio said the Pentagon and Colombia’s security forces were assessing the resumption of cooperation and Bogotá’s equipment needs. Colombia’s new president has pledged to destroy coca plantations and cocaine laboratories, as well as pursue trafficking leaders, including by setting annual targets. Colombia is also seeking a reduction in the 12.5% U.S. tariffs imposed in July. Rubio’s visit to Colombia is the first stop on a regional tour. The U.S. secretary of state is scheduled to travel to Ecuador and Peru, where he will meet with Presidents Daniel Noboa and Keiko Fujimori.