Colombia’s new president has promised a tougher fight against armed groups and drug gangs, while Washington has offered major financial and security support in what both sides describe as a new chapter in relations.
The United States has pledged about $1bn in assistance to Colombia after right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn into office on Friday.
Washington described the funding as part of a wider security package designed to help the new government fight organised crime, illegal immigration and drug-trafficking groups.
De la Espriella, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, used his first speech as president to promise an “all-out war” against what he calls narco-terrorism.
“There will not be a single place in our territory where criminals can feel safe,” he told troops at a military base in Cali.
His decision to hold the inauguration in Cali rather than the capital, Bogotá, was seen as a message of strength. Cali and surrounding areas have faced violence from armed groups and criminal organisations.
The new president also promised to defend Colombia’s democracy “by reason or by force” and said the country had entered what he called the “age of the Tiger”, his self-appointed nickname.
De la Espriella replaces left-wing President Gustavo Petro, whose relationship with Trump was often tense. Trump endorsed his successor during the election and later predicted that Colombia and the US would have a “much better relationship”.
A US delegation led by Attorney General Todd Blanche attended the inauguration, along with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
De la Espriella has promised to abandon peace talks with armed groups and instead launch a major military crackdown. He has also proposed building large prisons to hold suspected criminals.
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His government is expected to strengthen military ties with both the US and Israel, marking a sharp break from Petro’s foreign policy.
In one of his first decisions, de la Espriella announced that Colombia would join Trump’s “Shield of the Americas” security partnership.
Washington welcomed the move, saying it was ready to help Colombia defeat criminal organisations and strengthen border security.
The US also said the new government’s economic policies could create opportunities for greater trade and closer economic ties between the two countries.
