The United States Ambassador to Colombia Michael McKinley expressed his confidence Wednesday that the U.S. will enjoy an excellent relationship with the newly appointed Colombian military leaders, Colombian media reported.
“We have always maintained a very close relationship with the leadership, the command of the Armed Forces of Colombia, with the Ministry of Defense.” McKinley said. “I’m sure we will continue to have an excellent relationship with this leadership.”
While the ambassador said that he welcomed the changes to Colombian military command, he expressed hope that the newly appointed leaders continue to follow the path of former Minister of Defense Rodrigo Rivera. According to McKinley, the U.S. and Rivera “had the best relationship and better understanding.”
McKinley’s remarks followed a Tuesday announcement from Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos that Colombia’s entire high-level military command has been replaced.
General Alejandro Navas was named to take over the position of Admiral Edgar Cely as commander of the Armed Forces.