President of the United States Barack Obama affirmed that Colombia is
an ally of the United States in combating drug trafficking.
Responding to a question in Missouri on Wednesday about the United
States’ priorities concerning international relations, President Obama said, “Many times we advance our own interests more effectively when we
demonstrate interest in the wellbeing of people from other countries.”
According to Obama, that includes Colombia. “When we send teachers and Peace Corps volunteers to work in communities in Latin America, they become the face of America, which is when we need their help in the fight against drug trafficking. It’s easier for the president of Colombia or the president of Mexico to join forces with us, because we consider the Mexican community and the Colombian community good friends, people we care about,” said the president.
In his 100-day address in a town hall style meeting in Arnold, Missouri Obama acknowledged that taking an interest in other countries is unpopular
with the public when there are more pressing matters at home.
However, he pointed out that having Colombia as a friend helps save the
United States resources and it is not just the right thing to
do from a moral and ethical standpoint, but it is good
international relations strategy.