US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived Colombia for talks on Sunday to discuss trade between the two countries, security and the war on drugs.
Kerry arrived at Bogota’s military Catam airport, starting his first visit to the country since taking office as Secretary of State.
MORE: ‘John Kerry to visit Colombia on Sunday’
According to American press, Colombia is one of Washington’s closest allies in South America, although Colombian officials have expressed concern over the extent of the US’ surveillance program carried out by the NSA and revealed former contractor Edward Snowden.
The Colombian government had already said it expects explanations of Washington about the reach of this spying program.
MORE: Colombia president seeks US clarifications over NSA spying scheme
A statement from the US Department of State said that Mr Kerry was looking forward to talking with close regional partners.
Next stop on Kerry’s travel itinerary is Brazil, which — following reports on the NSA spying program — was also one of the main spying destinations for Washington.
Sources
- Kerry in Colombia for Trade, Security Talks (Voice of America)
- Details of Travel to Colombia and Brazil, August 12-13, 2013 (State Department)