On February 3, President and CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue, Rebecca Bill Chavez, spoke with BBC News following the meeting between President Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro.
COMMENTS FROM CHAVEZ:
“From the U.S. perspective, Colombia is a key partner in combating drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. Given the crisis in Venezuela, Colombia will also be essential to future reconstruction and regional stability efforts. This will be a Herculean task, and the United States will need strong, reliable partners.”
“President Petro was very outspoken in his opposition, although a later phone call appeared to ease tensions. However, a stable, democratic Venezuela is in Colombia’s national interest.”
“Around eight million Venezuelans have fled their country, and Colombia has already absorbed approximately three million of them. Taking in additional migrants would be extremely difficult. There is also the border challenge, with the ELN operating freely along the Colombia–Venezuela border, affecting security on both sides.”
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:
