Speaker's Delegation Completes Colombia Leg of Latin America Mission; Discusses FTA Implementation with Presidents of Panama & Colombia

Press Release

A seven-Member bipartisan U.S. House delegation led by Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has completed the Colombia leg of a three-country mission to Latin America focused on jobs, energy, and economic security. The Colombia portion of the trip was highlighted by meetings with Colombian President Juan Miguel Santos in the capital city of Bogota and the port city of Cartagena.

"The United States is blessed to have a friend and ally like Colombia in Latin America as our two nations look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the future. The economic and strategic partnership between our two countries is strong and growing stronger," said Boehner.

"We are impressed by the steps being taken by Colombia to implement the free trade agreement, which is vital for jobs and economic security in both of our countries. There is a clear commitment on the part of President Santos and the Colombian people to implementing the agreement, which will benefit both nations," Boehner said. "We are also impressed by the continued commitment of Colombia's leaders to security in our region and throughout the world. Colombia has stood strong with the United States and been a strong and consistent voice at the U.N. for freedom and democracy, and been equally steadfast in its efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking."

"We are truly grateful to President Santos and the people of Colombia for their friendship and partnership with the United States," Boehner said.

President Santos hosted the bipartisan delegation for dinner in Cartagena on Thursday along with a special guest: Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli, who flew in to join the delegation for a discussion of implementation of the Colombia and Panama free trade agreements passed by the U.S. House in October 2011. The Colombia and Panama FTAs are critical to future job creation in the United States and Latin America.

This week, the Speaker's bipartisan delegation is visiting the top three U.S. export markets in Latin America and holding economic discussions with the leaders of some of America's most vital trading partners -- nations that collectively import billions of dollars annually in products made by American workers.

Members participating in the delegation include Reps. Dan Boren (D-OK); Greg Walden (R-OR), Chairman of the House Republican Leadership; David Camp (R-MI), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means; Doc Hastings (R-WA), Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources; John Kline (R-MN), Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; and Devin Nunes (R-CA), a member of the Committee on Ways & Means.

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