Rubio pledges security cooperation with Colombia's new president

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella in Barranquilla on Tuesday, signaling a potential reset in bilateral security ties. Rubio expressed hope that the relationship would rebound under the newly inaugurated right-wing leader, who took office on August 7.

Rubio noted that the Pentagon and Colombian security forces are discussing new cooperation and equipment requests. He attributed recent friction to the policies of De La Espriella's predecessor, leftist Gustavo Petro, saying the security relationship was "impeded" by political leadership in recent years but that "has now changed."

De La Espriella said the talks covered security cooperation against drug trafficking, improved economic ties, and a larger role for Colombia in what he called "bulletproofing the hemisphere." He said Colombia wants to re-establish itself as the principal US security partner in the region and will cooperate on matters concerning neighboring Venezuela.

Colombia is seeking relief from US tariffs of 12.5% that took effect in July. De La Espriella has asked President Donald Trump to suspend the tariff following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia in August.

De La Espriella outlined plans to fumigate coca plantations, destroy cocaine laboratories, and target drug bosses. He also referenced a new "Plan Homeland," echoing the earlier "Plan Colombia" initiative under which Washington provided billions in aid.

Rubio is scheduled to travel to Ecuador and Peru later this week for talks with Presidents Daniel Noboa and Keiko Fujimori.