Marco Rubio Weighs in on America's Relationship with Colombia

From his perch on the Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., met with Carlos Urrutia, Colombias ambassador to the U.S., on Tuesday. Noting the recent free-trade agreement between the two countries, Rubio stressed the importance of Americas relationship with that South American nation.

Colombia has been a great friend and partner to the United States, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Urrutia to discuss the U.S.-Colombia partnership and the numerous challenges facing the Western Hemisphere, said Rubio in a statement. Last year, I enjoyed visiting Colombia as it hosted the Summit of the Americas, an invaluable visit for me as I met with Latin American leaders and saw firsthand the role Cartagena will play as our two nations economic links are further strengthened by our free-trade agreement. For me personally, it was also a chance to see my wifes familys homeland, whose cultural traditions have not only touched our home but our entire community, state and nation.

Ambassador Urrutia and I discussed the importance of continuing to broaden our partnership from what was once initially focused on counternarcotics, to include counterterrorism, security, human rights and trade, Rubio said in conclusion. I look forward to working with Ambassador Urrutia and our friends in Colombia to continue to strengthen and grow this vital relationship.