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US-Colombia Relations

U.S. policy toward Colombia supports the Colombian Government's efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions, promote respect for human rights and the rule of law, foster socio-economic development, address immediate humanitarian needs, and end the threats to democracy posed by narcotics trafficking and terrorism. Promoting security, stability, and prosperity in Colombia will continue to be long-term American interests in the region.

In 1822, the United States became one of the first countries to recognize the republic of Colombia and to establish a resident diplomatic mission in the country.

During the Pastrana administration (1998-2002), relations with the United States improved significantly. The United States responded to the Colombian Government's request for international support for Plan Colombia (see above) by providing substantial assistance--close to $8 billion through FY 2012--designed to increase Colombia's counternarcotics capabilities and expand and consolidate government presence. This assistance also went toward improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable Colombians by providing sustainable social and economic opportunities, protecting human rights, strengthening rule of law, and making governance more transparent, participatory, and accountable.

Recognizing that terrorism and the illicit narcotics trade in Colombia are inextricably linked, in 2002 the U.S. Congress expanded statutory authorities that made U.S. assistance to Colombia more flexible in order to better support President Uribe’s campaign against narcotics and terrorism. The United States continues close cooperation with the current administration of Colombia on these issues.

USAID has been working for almost 50 years in delivering socio-economic and humanitarian assistance to Colombia. In April 2009, the U.S. Government signed a multi-year country assistance agreement with the Government of Colombia, allotting $614 million through 2011. The agreement has been providing support to Colombia’s government, civil society, and private sector efforts in creating viable options for citizens in the licit economy, particularly in the agricultural sector; supporting the implementation of reforms in land restitution, reparations for victims and vulnerable populations, and reintegration of ex-combatants; promoting respect for human rights and the rule of law; and addressing environmental issues, such as climate change, in one of the most diverse countries in the world.

The U.S. Government estimated in 2012 that there were 63,000 U.S. citizens living in Colombia and 28,000 U.S. citizens visiting Colombia in any given month. Approximately 250 American businesses conduct at least some operations in Colombia.

From 1995 to 1997, the United States and Colombia signed important agreements dealing with environmental protection, asset sharing, and chemical control. A notable maritime ship-boarding agreement signed in 1997 allowed for searches of suspected drug-running vessels. In 2008, the countries signed a memorandum of understanding on renewable and clean energy. In June 2010, the United States and Colombia signed a Science and Technology Agreement to promote innovation in both countries. The two entered into an Open Skies Agreement in May 2011, marking the 100th Open Skies Agreement signed by the United States. The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement was signed in November 2006 and ratified by the U.S. Congress in October 2011. Once implemented, the agreement is expected to enable U.S. businesses to better compete with other countries that have already established FTAs with Colombia.

Reaction to the Inauguration of President Obama as reflected by the extensive and very positive media coverage for the new administration was uniformly positive in Colombia. President Uribe and numerous Colombian government officials welcomed President Obama's inauguration and looked forward to continued close relations with the United States. In his 23 January 2009 remarks to the full diplomatic corps, President Alvaro Uribe stated that he viewed President Obama's inauguration with the most positive hopes and that he expected to maintain the great alliance between the United States and Colombia in the future. President Uribe continued that he hoped that Colombia could serve as a bridge to promote understanding between the United States and the region.

US Vice President Joe Biden praised developments in peace negotiations between Colombia's government and FARC rebels. Biden made the comments May 27, 2013 during a visit Monday to Bogota, Colombia, in which he met with President Juan Manuel Santos. He said the United States supported President Santos' efforts to reach a historic peace with the rebels.

Whereas other U.S. administrations have provided major political, financial and military support to Colombia, the Trump administration's position has been largely unclear with some interpreting his unannounced April meeting with former Colombian presidents Alvaro Uribe and Andres Pastrana as an indication of his lack of support for peace. Uribe and Pastrana are among the most prominent voices opposing peace deals with the rebel forces.

The presidents of the United States and Colombia had their first face-to-face meeting at the White House 18 May 2017, making President Manuel Santos the third current Latin American president to meet with Donald Trump, following President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski of Peru, and President Mauricio Macri of Argentina. When reporters asked Santos whether he believed Trump's proposal to build a wall along the U.S. and Mexican border would be effective to counter narcotics smuggling, Santos evaded answering the question directly. He instead emphasized the need for “cooperation between nations” to combat drug trafficking, adding that the “war on drugs has not been won” and it is a “global problem” that is bigger than just Colombia and the US. Trump appeared visibly annoyed that Santos didn't directly address the issue. “Walls work, just ask Israel,” Trump added curtly.

In spite of tensions over the wall, the two presidents repeatedly affirmed that in their meeting they had strengthened the alliance between Colombia and the US. “For a long time our nations have had a strategic alliance,” Santos said. “Today we continue as partners in peace ... we must continue and deepen the fight against drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal mining.”