International News: US moves to deepen security partnership with Colombia
By Zoila Palma: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to strengthen Washington’s security relationship with Colombia under newly inaugurated President Abelardo De La Espriella, as the Trump administration seeks to deepen cooperation with governments aligned with its priorities across Latin America. According to Reuters, Rubio made the remarks Tuesday during a meeting with […] The post International News: US moves to deepen security partnership with Colombia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Black News 
By Zoila Palma: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to strengthen Washington’s security relationship with Colombia under newly inaugurated President Abelardo De La Espriella, as the Trump administration seeks to deepen cooperation with governments aligned with its priorities across Latin America.
According to Reuters, Rubio made the remarks Tuesday during a meeting with De La Espriella in Barranquilla, where the two leaders discussed efforts to combat drug trafficking, strengthen economic ties and increase Colombia’s role in regional security.
De La Espriella said Colombia wants to become the United States’ “principal hemispheric partner” on security and pledged cooperation on issues involving neighboring Venezuela.
Rubio said the Pentagon and Colombian security forces are already discussing additional cooperation, including equipment, intelligence and training.
He blamed strained relations in recent years on former leftist President Gustavo Petro, who frequently clashed with President Donald Trump, saying the longstanding security partnership had been “impeded over the last three or four years by political leadership here.”
De La Espriella has requested US assistance with aircraft, drones, radar and anti-money-laundering capabilities to help combat drug gangs.
The visit comes as Washington seeks closer security and economic ties with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Rubio is scheduled to travel to Ecuador and Peru later this week, while Colombia is also seeking relief from US tariffs of 12.5% imposed in July.
The post International News: US moves to deepen security partnership with Colombia appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
