EU trade commissioner declares confidence in Colombia

The European Union’s new trade commissioner, Karel de Gucht, announced that he has confidence in Colombia’s “efforts to boost the country” and its actions to “defend democracy”, announced the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Relations on Wednesday.

Speaking in a meeting with Belgium’s Colombian Ambassador, Carlos Holmes Trujillo, de Gucht expressed his recognition of the changes and progress being made in Colombia.

“Certainly there are problems with violence, and it is also true that they can not be solved overnight. But, realistically, we must recognize that efforts are being made for democracy,” said the Belgian commissioner.

Ambassador Holmes Trujillo responded to the comments, saying that de Gucht’s statement was an accolade to the new policies and advances being put into practice in Colombia.

“That support is very important for [Colombian] relations with the European Union and the country’s interest in establishing a trade agreement with the bloc of nations,” he said.

This follows news that an EU-Colombia free trade agreement has been met with opposition by human rights and workers’ rights groups in Colombia.

Related posts

Former president maintains control over Colombia’s Liberal Party

UN Security Council extends monitoring of Colombia’s peace process

Defense minister believes Pegasus spyware no longer used in Colombia