Brussels, 17/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations, made her first official visit to Colombia on 16-17 April. “I wish to reiterate our support for the Colombian government in its quest for peace. We will continue to work together on issues of common interest such as the fight against drugs and drug trafficking and respect for human rights”, the commissioner states in a press release, stressing the importance of “regional integration, competitiveness, innovation and social cohesion”. On Tuesday 17 April, while in Bogotá, Ms Ferrero-Waldner met Alvaro Uribe Vélez, President of the Republic of Colombia, and Fernando Araújo, Foreign Minister.
The Commissioner signed a memorandum of understanding with the Colombian government for cooperation in three priority areas, providing for European aid of €160 million for the period 2007-2013 (€104 million the first three years and 56 million for the following years). The three areas of cooperation are: 1) peace and stability, with reinforcement of institutional capacities and the promotion of sustainable development in various regions of the country (70% of funds); 2) rule of law, justice and human rights (20% of funds); and 3) the competitiveness of the Colombian economy and the opening up of national and international markets for locally manufactured Colombian products (10% of funds). Cooperation priorities will be reviewed in 2010. During her visit, Ms Ferrero-Waldner confirmed that funding (€24.2 million in European aid over five years) would be released to finance the 3rd Peace Laboratory programme (see EUROPE 8146). She also announced the start of joint activities for the reintegration and reinstallation of uprooted populations. (mb)