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SECNAV Focuses on Enhancing DoN Partnership With Colombia

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS150204-06
Release Date: 2/4/2015 10:35:00 AM

From the Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

BOGOTA, Colombia (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus completed a visit to Colombia Feb. 4 after meeting with the nation's minister of defense, chief of defense and chief of naval operations.

The visit was designed to help enhance the already existing ties between the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and their Colombian counterparts.

'We value the robust and unique relationship we enjoy with Colombia,' said Mabus. 'Strong military cooperation is a critical element of our dynamic partnership and we look forward to strengthening this relationship in the future.'

In the past several years, Colombia's Navy has taken part in exercises such as RIMPAC and Dawn Blitz and Cartagena, Colombia, hosted the most recent iteration of UNITAS in 2014.

During his meetings with Colombia's military leadership, Mabus expressed his gratitude for this valuable participation.

Mabus also met with Marines assigned to the Marine Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, commending them for their work in strengthening the U.S. partnership with Colombia.

'The U.S. Marine Corps enjoys an extremely strong relationship with the Colombian Marines and I am confident this partnership will continue to grow,' said Mabus.

He also discussed the importance of continued cooperation in bilateral and multilateral amphibious operations.

Mabus' stop in Colombia is part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility focused on reinforcing existing partnerships and visiting Sailors and Marines forward deployed.