US and Colombia Seek Durable Partnership Under New Leaders

One month after President Abelardo de la Espriella took office in Colombia, his administration is prioritizing a foreign policy strategy centered on the United States. This early alignment with the Trump administration creates an opportunity to reset bilateral cooperation around trade, regional stability, and Venezuela's recovery, according to an issue brief from the Atlantic Council.

Colombia and the United States share over two hundred years of diplomatic relations. Despite recent strains over the past six years, including tensions during the Biden and Trump administrations that intensified under former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the relationship remains among the most important for both nations. The report states that institutional links among security, law enforcement, and intelligence entities stayed strong throughout this fractured period.

Security as the Bilateral Centerpiece

Security will be the center of gravity for the partnership under de la Espriella. Colombia's armed forces have been weakened by a purge of senior commanders during Petro's four-year term. Meanwhile, transnational criminal organizations have expanded territorial control, adopted technologies like drones, and diversified into illegal gold mining and human trafficking.

Colombia has already joined new US-led multilateral efforts: the Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (ACCC). The Trump administration's hemispheric security focus, based on defeating criminal organizations by force, aligns with de la Espriella's insistence on renewed military operations. The United States has pledged $1 billion in security assistance, though the specific resources and delivery timeline are undetermined.

New military operations will be costly. Colombia faces a difficult fiscal situation, with the new government projecting a fiscal deficit of 7.8 percent of GDP for 2026. The August 10 earthquake has added further pressure, creating significant humanitarian and reconstruction needs. The report argues that while a renewed combined security effort makes sense given the deteriorated situation under Petro, military force alone is not a durable solution.

Building Economic Conditions for Impact

To successfully address security and illicit drug challenges, the response must also target rural development and economic growth. With US support from institutions like the Development Finance Corporation and Export-Import Bank, Colombia can develop programs for infrastructure, digitalization, and areas for critical minerals, new energy, and agricultural investment.

Colombia is a strong nearshoring candidate for the United States due to existing economic ties and physical proximity by sea. Creating ways for more US companies to invest and operate in Colombia would benefit both countries. However, addressing the negative consequences of US tariffs on Colombian businesses is key to deepening the economic relationship. An early sign is de la Espriella's request for emergency interim tariff relief as an economic response to the recent earthquake.

A Framework for Lasting Cooperation

The fact that Trump and de la Espriella seem to share similar views on addressing major issues will help collaboration. However, after six years of strain, rebuilding cooperation will require constant dialogue based on trust and effective outcomes. Defining the approach, expectations, and channels for cooperation as clearly as possible will be fundamental.

Structured dialogue should include related issues such as human rights concerns, environmental standards, and conditions affecting trade and investment. The report recommends a clear bilateral program, working groups with measurable responsibilities, and constant communication at senior government levels. The respective ambassadors in Washington and Bogotá can play an especially important role in preserving cooperation.

Strengthening bipartisan support in the US Congress and expanding cooperation with Colombia's regions and cities will also be important for turning presidential alignment into a lasting partnership. The gains from a stronger US-Colombia partnership can extend beyond Colombia, the report notes, supporting other US priorities in the region. As conditions allow, Colombia can play an important role in supporting Venezuela's recovery and democratic transition in coordination with the United States, use deep knowledge of its economic potential and persistent private-sector ties.