Marco Rubio Meets Colombia’s President for Anti-Drug Cooperation and Reconstruction Support

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Colombia’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, in Barranquilla during a diplomatic tour of Latin America. The talks will focus on strengthening cooperation against narcoterrorism and U.S. support for rebuilding the region affected by the August 10 earthquake.

The visit comes after de la Espriella, a far-right lawyer and politician, was elected in June, defeating the left-wing candidate in the runoff. The new president has pledged to intensify the fight against armed groups involved in drug trafficking and end peace negotiations with them.

Colombia subsequently stepped up its airstrikes, authorized joint military operations with the United States, and joined the “Shield of the Americas,” the regional coalition launched by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking.

Rubio will also discuss rebuilding the areas affected by the earthquake, which killed more than 330 people and destroyed schools, hospitals, and homes. His tour of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru comes amid the conservative shift in several Latin American countries and Washington’s strategy of reaffirming its influence in the region。家? Actually need valid JSON and no weird.

Rubio will also discuss reconstruction of areas affected by the earthquake, which caused more than 330 deaths and destroyed schools, hospitals, and homes. His tour of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru takes place against the backdrop of the conservative orientation of several Latin American states and Washington’s strategy of reaffirming its influence in the region。Sure.