Colombian President Alvaro Uribe considers a free trade agreement with Europe “fundamental” for his country’s trade, politics and fight against terrorist groups.
Uribe is currently in Madrid where he is visiting the 5th bi-annual EU-Latin America-Caribbean summit.
“We consider the alliance with Europe fundamental also on a political level. Europe has succeeded in avoiding extremes the management of its governments,” the Colombian Head of State said Monday on Spanish national television.
Also in Colombia’s fight against recognized terrorist groups like the FARC and ELN, Europe’s support is vital, Uribe said. He “considers it of utmost importance to work together with Europe” to combat his country’s illegal armed groups.
The Colombian President said he considered a free trade agreement with Europe “a very important step” and stressed that the treaty will include regulation regarding human and workers rights and the enironment.