Colombian-born Republican Senator congratulates new president on inauguration

U.S. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, a Colombian native, extended congratulations to Abelardo de la Espriella on his inauguration as Colombia's new president. Moreno, who was born in Bogotá, stated that De la Espriella's presidency will mark "a transformative chapter" for the South American nation, characterized by freedom, security, and prosperity.

"The United States stands ready to help achieve mutual success for our peoples," Moreno wrote on social media. He explained that he could not attend the ceremony in Cali due to important votes in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. These votes include the confirmation of Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche.

Blanche is leading the delegation sent by U.S. President Donald Trump to represent the United States at De la Espriella's inauguration. Moreno, a senator for Ohio and a close ally of Trump, holds influence in the White House's policy toward Colombia and Latin America. De la Espriella, described as an far-right candidate, won the presidential election against leftist Iván Cepeda, the political heir to outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Trump had publicly endorsed De la Espriella during the campaign.

The new Colombian president has pledged to strengthen ties with Washington, contrasting with the tense relationship during Petro's administration. Petro's tenure was marked by public clashes with Trump and U.S. sanctions against the former president.

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Today marks a new and transformative chapter for the country, one marked by freedom, security, and prosperity. United States is ready to help achieve mutual success for our peoples.