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Pompeo began his speech at the Casa de Nariño congratulating Duque for “the way in which he watches over his citizens and Venezuelan refugees,” as he said that the tasks carried out in the field of public health, regarding the coronavirus, “They saved tens of thousands of lives”.
“Colombians must be very proud of you,” the Secretary of State told the Colombian president.
He also highlighted the support that the National Government has given to the self-proclaimed President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, and reproached, as Colombia has done on several occasions, that the dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro is protecting groups outside the law.
In that sense, the American said that Duque was a “leader” of the region, which is contributing to the “security of all peoples” with its pressure on Hezbollah.
Pompeo highlighted the alliance between the United States and Colombia in the fight against drug trafficking, and said that the government has been “exemplary” on this issue.
“They have eradicated 57% more coca crops than in previous years, and we all need to do more to reach the goal of cutting coca crops in half. I know that you [Duque] you’ll make it. We applaud all the work you have donePompeo added.
The US official announced that his country is expanding economic investment in Colombia, taking into account the free trade agreement that exists between the two countries, and technical assistance to “improve the mining-energy sector in Colombia”.
In turn, the Colombian head of state thanked President Donald Trump for his support to combat drug trafficking, armed groups such as the Eln and ‘Clan del Golfo’, and for promoting projects within the framework of the “legal peace process.”
Duque pointed out that the United States and Colombia “have identified” with actions against the Maduro dictatorship, which he called a criminal against humanity, as he had already done this week.
Finally, Duque thanked the investment that the Trump administration announced and stressed that, according to him, in the “most difficult moments” the United States has supported Colombia.
Below you can see the statements of Pompeo and Duque in the Casa de Nariño:
🎥 #Live | President’s Joint Statement @IvanDuque and the Secretary of State of the United States, @SecPompeo #EncuentroCOL_USA. https://t.co/HjbEQNBqUK
– Presidency Colombia 🇨🇴 (@infopresidencia) September 19, 2020
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