Recently appointed ambassadors from the United States, Canada, India, and Austria have formally presented their credentials to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos.
The ambassadors from the four countries presented their credentials to Santos during an official ceremony at the “Casa de Nariño” presidential residence. Also in attendance during the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was Maria Angela Holguin, Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Relations.
Kevin Whitaker, who was confirmed as the US ambassador to Colombia in April, submitted his credentials as well, finalizing his ambassadorship after a months-long confirmation process.
In September, US President Barack Obama formally nominated Whitaker to be the ambassador to Colombia, receiving little initial pushback to the announcement.
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Whitaker was previously the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South America in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. He replaced former ambassador Michael McKinley, who has been relocated to Afghanistan as Deputy Ambassador after three years of work in Colombia.
Though his response to questions during December Senate hearings about former Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro’s ousting from office raised some concerns with Colombian lawmakers, the US legislative body confirmed the candidate with ease 99 votes in favor and none opposed.
MORE: US officially confirms Kevin Whitaker as ambassador to Colombia
Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Relations press release