Colombia–United States relations
Bilateral relations / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The relationship between Colombia and the United States evolved from a mutual cordiality during the 19th and early 20th centuries[1] to a recent partnership that links the governments of both nations around several key issues; this includes fighting communism, the War on Drugs, and the threat of terrorism due to the September 11 attacks in 2001. During the last fifty years, different American governments and their representatives have become involved in Colombian affairs through the implementation of policies concerned with the issues already stated. Some critics of current US policies in Colombia, such as Law Professor John Barry, claim that US influences have catalyzed internal conflicts and substantially expanded the scope and nature of human rights abuses in Colombia.[2] Supporters, such as Under Secretary of State Marc Grossman, defend the idea that the United States has promoted respect for human rights and the rule of law in Colombia; in addition, adding to the fight against drugs and terrorism.[3]
Colombia |
United States |
---|---|
Diplomatic mission | |
Embassy of Colombia, Washington, D.C. | Embassy of the United States, Bogotá |
Envoy | |
Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the United States Luis Gilberto Murillo | U.S. Chargé d'affaires to the Republic of Colombia Francisco Palmieri |
A signing member of the Rio Pact and SICOFAA, as well as a regular participant in RIMPAC, Colombia was notably the only South American nation to support the US-led Iraq War of 2003. The Colombian government also strongly condemned the nuclear tests of North Korea in 2006,[4] 2009,[5] and 2013,[6] resolved to send soldiers to Afghanistan to aid the International Security Assistance Force in their ongoing struggle with the Taliban,[7] joined the West and its allies in recognizing Kosovo,[8] and, in voting in favor of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 officially supported foreign military intervention in the Libyan Civil War.[9] Upon the death of Osama bin Laden, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos congratulated Obama, stating in a press release that the raid "proves once again that terrorists, sooner or later, always fall. In the global fight against terrorism there is only one way: to persevere, persevere and persevere."[10]
As of 2013, Colombia has expressed its aspirations to eventually join the U.S.-led NATO military alliance. President Juan Manuel Santos stated, "In June, NATO will sign an agreement with the Colombian government, with the Defense Ministry, to start the process of rapprochement and cooperation, with an eye toward also joining that organization."[11] In response, US assistant secretary of state Roberta Jacobson noted, "Our goal is certainly to support Colombia as being a capable and strong member of lots of different international organizations, and that might well include NATO."[12]
According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 47% of Colombians approve of U.S. leadership, with 23% of the people disapproving and 29% remaining percentage uncertain; the sixth-highest rating of the U.S. for any surveyed country in the Americas.[13] In a survey in 2015, the image of President Obama's favorability was 78%[14] among Colombians.