The German government commits to working with Colombia in areas ranging from the environment to terrorism, following a meeting Friday between the German Economic Cooperation and Development Minister Dirk Niebel and President Santos.
The German delegation met with Santos, Vice President Angelino Garzon and Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin at the presidential ranch, Hatogrande, north of Bogota.
“The German government has decided to substantially increase cooperation with Colombia and that we will implement in the intergovernmental negotiations later this year in December,” Niebel said.
The minister said that the German government was willing to contribute to the fight against international terrorism and “open a new priority area of action, which is the protection of the environment and nature.”
Niebel said that poverty reduction and income generation were the most important issues facing Colombia.
The minister is traveling with a large delegation comprised of representatives from the German Bundestag, German institutions of cooperation, and industry representatives.
Niebel is on a tour of Latin American countries and met with Bolivian President Evo Morales earlier in the week to discuss economic issues.
