Colombia's new president takes office. US to provide $1 billion in security aid

Colombia's new president, Abelardo De la Espriella, took office on August 7. In this regard, the US administration announced its intention to provide Colombia with $ 1 billion in security assistance, Reuters reports.

De la Espriella won the second round of the presidential election in June. During the election campaign, he promised to resolutely fight crime and drug trafficking, streamline the state apparatus, attract private investment to the economy and develop the oil and gas sector.

In his inaugural speech, the new president emphasized that he would strengthen the policy against armed groups and criminal structures involved in drug trafficking in the country. According to him, the state will use more stringent measures to ensure security.

De la Espriella also criticized the peace talks with armed groups conducted under the previous government. In his opinion, the main focus in relations with criminal organizations should be on strengthening the rule of law and the capabilities of the armed forces, not on negotiations.

The new government also plans to change economic policy. The president has prioritized reducing state spending, simplifying the tax system, and creating favorable conditions for foreign investment. It is also planned to expand oil and gas exploration and production.

At the same time, Washington has expressed its readiness to strengthen security cooperation with Bogota. The US State Department announced that it plans to allocate $ 1 billion in security assistance to the new Colombian government.

These funds are expected to be directed to combating drug trafficking and organized crime, increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, and strengthening the country's security infrastructure.

De la Espriella's accession to the presidency is being seen as a change in political direction in Colombia. The new president is committed to closer relations with the United States, strengthening security cooperation, and increasing the role of the private sector in the economy.

Colombia is one of the world's leading producers of cocaine. The country remains a serious problem with armed groups and criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. Therefore, security issues have been a key issue in the new president's campaign.