Marco Rubio says US seeks more economic and security ties in Latin America
The US secretary of state visits Colombia, Ecuador and Peru in a bid to enhance cooperation with right-wing allies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Donald Trump’s administration hopes to ink trade deals with Colombia, Peru and Ecuador soon, as Washington seeks greater ties with right-wing allies across Latin America.
Rubio met with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella during a visit to Barranquilla on Tuesday, part of a three-nation trip aimed at consolidating relationships with allied governments and expanding US military involvement in the region.
“We have a lot of common interest with them, both taking on regional transnational criminal terrorism and also economic engagements,” Rubio said of the three countries before departing. “It’s part of a trend that you’re seeing in the Western Hemisphere of alignment with US and US interests.”
De la Espriella took office in August, promising a return to a militarised approach towards crime and armed groups, in line with Trump’s priorities.