The United States government has extended the length of visas granted to Colombians from five to ten years, President Juan Manuel Santos confirmed in a statement released on his official website.
According to Santos, the move was “a demonstration of the confidence in the country” and formed part of the deepening ties embodied in the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two nations, which will take effect May 15.
Speaking on the visa extension, Barack Obama said, “This will facilitate the visit of Colombians, who can further experience the United States.”
It demonstrated the “full confidence in a bright future for its people,” he added.
The declaration came at the end of the 6th Summit of the Americas, held in the Caribbean coastal city of Cartagena April 14-15.