U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is currently visiting South American nations, met with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella to discuss cooperation on counter-narcotics and a strategic security alliance.

During a press conference and other events on the 8th (local time), Secretary Rubio stated, "There is no prosperity without security," and pledged active support for the Colombian government's efforts to combat drugs and eradicate transnational criminal organizations.

President de la Espriella proposed the "21st Century Plan Patriota," centered on modernizing military equipment and strengthening intelligence capabilities, and pledged to launch strong counter-terrorism and anti-drug operations, such as resuming aerial fumigation to eliminate coca plants.

Secretary Rubio particularly emphasized that the U.S. will "support Colombia in every possible way" to eliminate the threat of "transnational" drug cartels spreading across Latin America, including Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador.

However, regarding the possibility of establishing a standalone U.S. military base or directly deploying U.S. ground troops, he drew a line by stating that "there has been no official request from the Colombian side," explaining that it is an issue to be considered only after a request is made by the sovereign nation of Colombia.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)