Colombia President-elect highlights meeting with U.S. delegates ahead of inauguration

Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella held a high-level meeting with an official U.S. delegation in Barranquilla to discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation, including security and the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking. The meeting took place on Friday, ahead of De la Espriella's inauguration on August 7.

According to a statement released by his press office, the discussions covered strategic topics such as bilateral cooperation, national security, combating organized crime and drug trafficking, trade, and strengthening the relationship between Colombia and the United States. De la Espriella stated his incoming government aims to "rebuild a serious, firm, and reliable alliance" with the U.S., founded on security, cooperation, the defense of freedom, and institutional respect.

“

rebuild a serious, firm, and reliable alliance with the United States

De la Espriella has consistently advocated for closer ties with the United States since his presidential campaign. This stance marks a departure from the strained relationship between Washington and the outgoing administration of President Gustavo Petro, particularly concerning issues like drug trafficking policy, security strategies, and bilateral cooperation. The President-elect's focus is on re-establishing strong alliances and pursuing a foreign policy centered on security, investment, order, and citizen protection.

The announcement comes as the President-elect continues the transition process with the outgoing government and finalizes the key pillars of his foreign and security policies. His administration intends for Colombia to once again have "strong allies" and a foreign policy that prioritizes security, investment, order, and the protection of its citizens.

“

Colombia will once again have strong allies and a foreign policy focused on security, investment, order, and the protection of citizens