De la Espriella to be Trump's main Latin America ally, says ex-VP Santos

Former Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos believes that Abelardo De la Espriella, upon taking office, will emerge as the fundamental strategic partner for the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump in the Western Hemisphere. Santos emphasized the incoming government's ideological alignment with the White House during an interview with international broadcaster NTN24.

Santos underscored De la Espriella's crucial role in diplomatic affairs, particularly concerning Cuba and Venezuela. "It is crystal clear that President Trump's great ally in Latin America is Abelardo De la Espriella, and at a critical moment, because we have to play a fundamental role on the issue of Cuba, but above all on the issue with Venezuela. We are going to be that ally with whom we will work hand in hand again," Santos stated.

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It is crystal clear that President Trump's great ally in Latin America is Abelardo De la Espriella, and at a critical moment, because we have to play a fundamental role on the issue of Cuba, but above all on the issue with Venezuela. We are going to be that ally with whom we will work hand in hand again.

The former vice president also commented on the security strategy, noting that the inauguration's location in Cali sent a strong message against drug trafficking and guerrilla warfare, given the region's history of violence. However, he pointed out a gap in De la Espriella's inaugural address, specifically the omission of illegal mining, which Santos considers a problem as significant as coca cultivation.

Regarding the fight against drug production and trafficking, Santos advocated for modernizing operational methods through international cooperation. He urged Colombia to leverage U.S. support due to domestic budgetary limitations, suggesting a shift in strategy. "We must leverage the United States to combat it; today we do not have the capacity or the resources to combat it. I think the important thing is to change the entire strategy, as we no longer need planes for fumigation or soldiers in the territory, but rather drones with artificial intelligence to combat drug crops," he advised.

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We must leverage the United States to combat it; today we do not have the capacity or the resources to combat it. I think the important thing is to change the entire strategy, as we no longer need planes for fumigation or soldiers in the territory, but rather drones with artificial intelligence to combat drug crops.