Rubio promises ‘stronger’ ties with Colombia after left-wing ‘mismanagement’

Marco Rubio used his visit to Barranquilla to promise a new chapter in U.S.-Colombia relations, accusing the previous government of four years of “mismanagement” that damaged ties between the allies.

The U.S. secretary of state met Colombia’s new right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella, during a South American tour designed to strengthen Washington’s regional influence. Rubio said Colombia faced an institutional crisis that had lasted four years and harmed the bilateral relationship. He spoke in both English and Spanish after the meeting.

The visit marked a sharp shift from Washington’s turbulent relationship with former left-wing President Gustavo Petro. Since taking office on Aug. 7, De la Espriella has promised a relationship “stronger than ever” and authorized joint military operations with the United States to confront the country’s criminal groups.

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Colombia faces an institutional crisis that has lasted for four years of mismanagement, which has harmed the relationship.

“Colombia wants to re-establish itself as the leading hemispheric security partner with the United States,” De la Espriella said after the meeting. The two leaders also discussed rebuilding Colombia after a devastating earthquake in August destroyed schools, hospitals and thousands of buildings.

They signed agreements on critical-minerals exchanges and civilian nuclear-energy cooperation without providing further details. De la Espriella also asked Washington to help modernize Colombia’s aircraft, drones, helicopters and military equipment as the country fights drug trafficking. Rubio is due to travel next to Ecuador and Peru, where Washington aims to deepen security cooperation and intensify the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.

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Colombia wants to re-establish itself as the leading hemispheric security partner with the United States.