Rubio predicts a new “golden era” between the United States and Colombia under De la Espriella

Marco Rubio arrived in Colombia promising a “golden era” in relations and a level of cooperation between the two countries that he described as unprecedented.

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A golden era.

The U.S. secretary of state made the comments after meeting President Abelardo de la Espriella in Barranquilla, during his first visit to Colombia since the president took office a month ago. Rubio said Washington wanted to help Colombia fight armed groups and drug traffickers, arguing that “the same networks, the same criminal groups” operate in both countries.

He also pointed to economic prospects, although the meeting did not address Colombia’s request for Washington to suspend 12.5% tariffs imposed on some Colombian products. “The opportunities at the economic level are incredible,” Rubio said, calling Colombia a longtime U.S. partner.

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A new stage of cooperation that has no precedent.

Rubio said the United States wanted to restore what he called the natural relationship between the countries after the “distance” of Gustavo Petro’s four years as president. He described Petro’s leftist administration as a “disaster” for Colombia.

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The same networks, the same criminal groups.

The visit also focused on disaster recovery. Rubio said the United States would help Colombia respond to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on August 10, killing at least 331 people. Initial estimates put the material damage at $9.5 billion. The two governments also signaled alignment on what the article describes as narcoterrorism, energy and commercial ties.

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The opportunities at the economic level are incredible.