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The United States has announced plans to approve a $1 billion assistance package for Colombia following the inauguration of the country’s new right-wing President, Abelardo de la Espriella.
The proposed funding is expected to form part of a broader security package to support the new administration and strengthen cooperation between Washington and Bogotá.
“As a cornerstone of this renewed partnership, the United States, working with Congress, intends to announce $1 billion in assistance as part of a security package to support President (Abelardo) de la Espriella’s administration in achieving our shared goals,” the State Department said in a statement on Friday.
The announcement came shortly after de la Espriella assumed office and pledged to take a tougher approach to Colombia’s armed groups and drug trafficking networks.
The new president has also expressed interest in strengthening security and military cooperation with the United States as part of his plans to combat what he describes as “narco-terrorism.”
