The meeting was held to strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as urban development, foreign investment and hemispheric security.
In the Customs Palace, headquarters of the Mayor’s Office of Cartagena, Mayor Dumek Turbay received a delegation from the United States government, headed by Ambassador John McNamara and made up of Republican senator Bernardo “Bernie” Moreno and Democratic Senator Rubén Gallego.
The meeting also had the presence of the leaders of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez; Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán; Cali, Alejandro Eder, and the delegate of the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla, Ana María Aljure.
The working meeting was aimed with emphasis on positioning Cartagena as a strategic center for the Caribbean region.
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“We are honest and happy as a city and as a region to receive this important visit from high representatives of the United States, A strategic ally of Colombia. We are excited, as mayors who bet on the development of the country from local power, feel that we have this support, ”said Dumek Turbay.
Senator for Ohio, Bernie Moreno, stressed: “From the United States we believe that the democratic future of Colombia will be led by mayors; That is why we want to remain the main commercial partners and strategic allies of the regions. Nothing and no one will break that bond. ”
Along the same line, Democratic Senator Rubén Gallego reiterated Washington’s disposition to support the growth of Colombian cities: “We want to continue working on the development of their regions and provide all possible support, especially in economic and security matters.”
For its part, The mayor of Bogotá Carlos Fernando Galán, said that, “security and trade are key fronts in the relationship of Colombia cities with the United States. Today, together with other mayors, we had a very productive conversation with the American senators Bernie Moreno and Rubén Gallego, and the business manager of the United States Embassy, Mr. John McNamara. In Colombia, cities are being the engine of change, the generation of opportunities and hope. We will continue working together. ”
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Mayor Dumek Turbay in turn He warned that Cartagena’s strategic position as the main city of the country, added to its proximity to the Panama Canal, generates logistical advantages, But also security challenges.
“The benefits of being a port city sometimes represent a curse, since the illegal traffic that uses the ports seriously affect security. Drug trafficking, hsicatos and other associated crimes require joint strategies, and US support is essential to neutralize these threats ”said the local president.
Also insisted on the need for A supported support for the cities of the country: “We do not want to feel alone. We want to work hand in hand from the regions, with the national government and with international allies ”.
For its part, Federico Gutiérrez called for not breaking ties with strategic allies such as the United States: “We must keep our democracy alive. This encounter gives us hope, because it shows that we are not alone. ”
Carlos Fernando Galán and Alejandro Eder They agreed on the importance of articulating a block of mayors and regional leaders that strengthens the relationship with the United States, to which they described as “the most important ally in Colombia in terms of security and commerce.”
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Conclusions of the meeting
Creation of direct communication channels between US legislators and Colombian local authorities.
Identification of Investment Opportunities in Infrastructure, Technological Innovation, Energy Security and Sustainable Tourism.
Structuring of bilateral equipment for the exchange of good practices in governance, economic development and digital transformation.
Promotion of actions to integrate the Colombian Caribbean region into hemispheric strategies of sustainable development.
Strengthening of local governments, public-private alliances, cooperation in energy transition, Social inclusion, migration and fight against organized crime.
