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Rubio Signs Colombia Nuclear, Critical-Minerals Agreements in Bogotá

9/9/2026

Center

Rubio Signs Agreements

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Bogotá on September 8, 2026, to meet President Abelardo de la Espriella and sign nuclear and critical-minerals agreements.
Rubio said the United States and Colombia are discussing new security cooperation, including equipment, intelligence and training for Colombian forces.
Colombia asked US to halt 12.5% tariff imposed in July after 7.4-magnitude quake.
Rubio will continue his tour with meetings in Quito, Ecuador, and Lima, Peru, later.

Left

Rubio Signs Agreements

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Colombia on September 8, 2026 to meet President Abelardo de la Espriella and sign critical-minerals and nuclear agreements.
Leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda condemned the agreements as a surrender of Colombian sovereignty and linked them to a simultaneous loosening of gun restrictions.
De la Espriella will request U.S. radar and drones and join Americas Counter Cartel Coalition.

History

Historical Context

In 2000 the United States approved the $1.3 billion Plan Colombia, sending 1,200 military advisors and building 300 radar stations to combat insurgency and drugs. President Álvaro Uribe (elected 2002) deepened the pact, and the 1999-2002 Pastrana-FARC peace talks underscored the conflict’s stakes. The 2026 agreement signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Abelardo de la Espriella extends U.S. radar, drones and mineral access.

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Rubio Signs Agreements

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Bogotá on September 8, 2026, to meet President Abelardo de la Espriella and sign nuclear and critical-minerals agreements.
Rubio said the United States and Colombia are discussing new security cooperation, including equipment, intelligence and training for Colombian forces.
Colombia asked US to halt 12.5% tariff imposed in July after 7.4-magnitude quake.
Rubio will continue his tour with meetings in Quito, Ecuador, and Lima, Peru, later.

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