Luis Gilberto Murillo, The Colombian Ambassador to the United States spoke with EL TIEMPO about different aspects of the relationship between the two nations. One of the main themes was that of migration.

(Read the full interview here: “We are working to obtain the visa exemption for Colombian tourists”: Murillo)

Recently, Relations between the two nations seem to have entered relative tension due to two specific episodes: On the one hand, Washington has publicly expressed concern over the “gradual” illicit crop eradication program proposed by President Petro.

And, as EL TIEMPO reports, this country also “expressed its discomfort with the government’s decision to prefer France to buy the planes necessary for the modernization of the Air Force and described it as “very difficult” the granting of temporary assistance to undocumented Colombian migrants in the United States”.

(As well: Ambassador Murillo received US credentials and spoke with President Biden)

This mentioned relief is a request that Murillo made, however, for Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols, Colombia’s political and security situation is good, and such authorization is usually granted to countries with difficult internal situations.

On the other hand, the Ambassador explained that great progress has been made regarding the Colombian tourist visas wishing to visit the United States.

On the one hand, Murillo pointed out that the waiting period for the issuance of this document has been reduced from 850 to 45 days.

(We recommend: ‘WE. The United States must provide an opportunity for Colombian migrants”: Murillo)

On the other hand, the Ambassador pointed to an alleged openness of the US government to obtain a visa waiver for Colombians.

“It has demands and we are working to meet them. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, during his recent visit to Colombia, expressed his openness to move forward in this process, which is long-term” , assured Murillo to EL TIEMPO. .

No more news