Colombian President-elect Juan Manuel Santos met with British Prime Minister David Cameron in London to discuss the environment, trade and investment, reports El Tiempo.
Colombia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom Mauricio Rodriguez Munera described the meeting as “very positive,” and reported that the British leader showed keen interest in learning about the Latin American country.
“There was great chemistry between the two leaders where they discussed the bilateral agenda on issues such as foreign investment, trade and environment as well as the fight against trafficking and drug use.” Munera told RCN Radio.
It also emerged that the two leaders had discussed the issue of human rights in Santos’ home country.
“Our commitment is to keep improving, [Colombia] has improved substantially, that is recognized around the world, however there is always room for further improvement” Santos told press gathered outside Number 10 Downing Street.
The president-elect is currently on an international tour before he takes office, accompanied by his future Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin. It is reported that the leader was happy to make London his first diplomatic stop as he has a “special affection” for the city, having lived there for ten years.
Santos has already met with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose economic policy he paid tribute to in the book “The Third Way: An alternative for Colombia.” The leader announced on Friday that a team of Blair’s consultants will travel to Colombia to counsel the incoming government on foreign policy.
This Wednesday, Santos will meet the German chancellor, Angela Merkel before flying to Spain for talks with Spanish President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.