Statement from President Joe Biden on Today’s Justice Department Report on the Uvalde School Shooting Response

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia received Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer to advance cooperation on a broad range of bilateral and regional issues that characterize the strategic relationship between the United States and Colombia.

As part of the discussion, the United States and Colombia underscored their continued commitment to strengthen regional competitiveness and increase investment through the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity.

The President and Mr. Finer reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to addressing irregular international migration in a safe, orderly, and humane manner through a regional approach and reviewed joint efforts to date under the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.

The President and Mr. Finer agreed on the importance of accelerating implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement, which will strengthen access to security, democratic institutions, and economic opportunities for all Colombians.  They also discussed the status of the government’s ongoing peace negotiations with armed groups, a priority initiative for President Petro.

President Petro and Mr. Finer also had an in-depth discussion on the situation in Venezuela and reaffirmed the importance of implementing all elements of the Barbados Agreement and working together with all parties to fulfill the agreed electoral roadmap.