Diaz-Balart Hosts Meeting With Members of U.S. House, Colombian Government Officials

WASHINGTON, DC-This week Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) hosted a meeting with Colombian Trade Minister Luis Guillermo Plata, Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Carolina Barco, and a bi-partisan group of Members of the U.S. House to discuss the importance of passing a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia.

“The U.S. must show solidarity with the democratically elected government of Colombia and the Colombian people by prioritizing and passing a Free Trade Agreement with that nation. I urge President Obama and Democratic Leadership in Congress to allow a vote on a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia. Doing so would create jobs in the U.S., give our economy a much needed boost and strengthen our partnership with Colombia, who has proven to be a great ally and friend of the U.S..”

“I thank my colleagues in the House who understand the need for a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and are committed to working in a bi-partisan way to ensure passage.”

Diaz-Balart currently serves as the founding chair of the Congressional Caucus on Colombia, established in 2009 to bring together Members of Congress interested in strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and Colombia and bringing to the House floor a vote on a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia. Members in the meeting included Gregory Meeks, Aaron Schock, Connie Mack, Charles Boustany, Henry Cuellar and Brian Baird.

Recently, Diaz-Balart traveled to Cartagena, Colombia on a CODEL to take part in the World Economic Forum. He also met with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe to discuss economic growth and a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.