Colombia will focus on restoring ties with Venezuela while maintaining those with the United States, according to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Caracol Radio reported Thursday.
The Colombian president highlighted his goals for diplomacy with the neighboring country just a day before Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is set to visit Colombia. Chavez’s third trip to Colombia is part of the ongoing re-establishment of ties between the two countries, which had troubled relations during the administration of former Colombian president Alvaro Uribe.
“We are having good relations with our neighbors, not because I have become a ‘Chavista’ or because he has become a ‘Santista,’ but because it suits us and if we respect the differences and collaborate on something that suits us both we will both win,” Santos said.
The Colombian president added that good relations with Venezuela and Ecuador did not mean that he would risk relations with the U.S., who he considers an ally.
“So we are on track and we want to continue also in the hand of the U.S., who has been a strategic partner. I always say with pride: we are not afraid to say we are friends with the U.S. On the contrary, we think it is something that honors us,” said Santos.
The chief of state added that improving international politics will result in greater welfare for the Colombian people.