Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos said South America must stick together during this time of international economic turbulence at the start of his visit to Chile.
On his arrival in the Chilean capital of Santiago, the Colombian head of state said, “we have come to strengthen integration on all fronts,” in reference to the areas of judicial cooperation, trade, investment, infrastructure, electricity and education among others, according to a presidential communique.
With regard to energy, Santos said he wants to create an electricity connection to Chile by passing through Ecuador and Peru, as Chile is awaiting Colombian energy.
Santos spoke of Colombia’s capacity to learn from Chile. The president said that Colombia’s potential for fruit production is enormous, adding that the Chileans have great experience in this sector.
In relation to the environment, Santos said, “you know that for me, one of my fundamental objectives in the process of adapting to climate change is reforestation. We have to reforest the country, who knows more about reforestation than the Chileans.”
While in Chile, the Colombian president will meet with his Chilean counterpart and business people. Santos will fly to Argentina on Wednesday.