Rubio: U.S.-Colombia alliance is one of America’s most cherished relationships

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The U.S.-Colombia alliance is one of America’s most cherished relationships, not only in the Western Hemisphere, but anywhere in the world. Over the past two decades especially, our military, security and judicial cooperation has helped make Colombia a 21st century success story, where the rule of law has been restored, the economy is flourishing, and narco-terrorist violence has subsided. These achievements belong not only to the Colombian people who sacrificed the most blood and treasure, but also to the American people who supported Colombia and often stood side by side with them in their battles.

Whereas #Colombia was once nearly a failed state ravaged by drug cartels and terrorist groups like the FARC, today it is one of our main trading partners in the region. Whereas Colombia once relied on U.S. military assistance to survive, today Colombia’s military has a leadership role in training and equipping the militaries and national police agencies of other countries in the region that are being ravaged by drug cartels. Colombia’s example offers all these other countries hope that they too can overcome narco-terrorism.

During my meeting today with Juan Carlos Pinzon, Colombia’s ambassador to the U.S., I reiterated my strong interest in advancing policies that allow our two nations to further strengthen our bond. This is especially important following Colombia’s recent peace agreement with the FARC, and in this new era of American politics where every penny of foreign assistance is being reviewed to ensure we are assisting our allies and making the American people more secure and prosperous.

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Marco is 100% correct. Why are we wasting our time and efforts nation building outside our sphere of influence? Ever since the Monroe Doctrine we have had complete control over the Americas and that is where our focuses should lie. Marco understands this and also understands by investing in the Americas we can have several more success stories much like Colombia while staving off Communism in our sphere. Americas modern manifest destiny includes not only all of North America, but all of Central and South America as well.