Rubio presses for closer US economic and security ties in Latin America
Agreements with Colombia on critical minerals and civil nuclear cooperation have accompanied a regional push to strengthen US influence and counter China’s economic role.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has used a visit to Colombia to promote closer economic and security cooperation with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, including prospective trade deals whose terms and timelines have not been disclosed.
Rubio met Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella in Barranquilla during a three-nation tour that Al Jazeera reported was intended to consolidate relationships with allied governments and expand US military involvement in the region. Rubio said the countries shared interests in confronting transnational criminal terrorism and pursuing economic engagement.
Colombia and the US signed agreements covering critical minerals and civil nuclear cooperation. The source does not clarify whether the agreements are binding arrangements or memoranda of understanding. De la Espriella also indicated that Colombia would seek US assistance for military operations, including radar and drone technology.
Rubio is scheduled to travel to Ecuador and Peru later this week to meet their presidents, Daniel Noboa and Keiko Fujimori. The planned visits had not occurred when the report was published.
The push comes as the Trump administration seeks greater influence across the Western Hemisphere and points to China’s regional role. China has been Peru’s top trading partner since signing a free-trade agreement with the country in 2009.
Colombia has asked Washington to reduce tariffs imposed in July. The agreements have also drawn criticism from leftist presidential candidate Ivan Cepeda, who said the mineral and energy arrangements compromised Colombia’s sovereignty.
