U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates assured Colombia on Thursday that the U.S will continue to provide the country with aid, regardless of who wins the Andean nation’s presidential elections in May, and expressed his hope that the free trade deal will be implemented soon, reports Semana.
“Our ongoing bilateral defense cooperation is vital for our two nations,” Gates said, confirming the U.S.’s “commitment to working together with whoever [is in power] after the upcoming elections.”
The defense secretary also expressed a desire to see U.S.’s free trade agreement with Colombia finalized because “it’s a good deal” for both countries, and is among the priorities of U.S. President Barack Obama.
Gates is in Colombia to talk with President Uribe and Colombia’s Defense Minister Gabriel Silva about “
The U.S has given $7 billion to combat drug trafficking and guerilla activity in Colombia since 2000.