Department of Defense Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Devin T. Robinson provided the following readout:
Ms. Jana Nelson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs met with Colombian Minister of Defense Iván Velásquez at the Colombian Ministry of Defense in Bogotá, Colombia on June 28.
Minister Velásquez and DASD Nelson discussed counterdrug policy, territorial control, combatting armed groups, and regional stability. They also discussed the upcoming U.S.-Colombia Defense Bilateral Working Group and exchanged views on disaster risk preparedness and response, humanitarian assistance, and frameworks to enhance bilateral cooperation.
The meeting reaffirmed the United States' strong defense and security partnership with Colombia, as the two nations work together to promote a stable and secure hemisphere based on a foundation of respect for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
In addition, on June 29 DASD Nelson visited the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington as part of a high-level U.S. delegation led by General Laura Richardson, Commander, U.S. Southern Command. Colombian Chief of Defense Helder Giraldo led the Colombian delegation that visited the USS George Washington.
The USS George Washington's visit to Colombia was part of the Southern Seas 2024 deployment and provided an opportunity to increase proficiency with partner nation maritime forces. The visit served as an important military-military engagement that helped strengthen U.S.-Colombia defense ties.