Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Meets with Colombian President Álvaro Uribe

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke hosted a meeting with Colombian President Álvaro Uribe at the Commerce Department today. This was the first meeting between President Uribe and Secretary Locke.

Locke and President Uribe discussed the importance of trade and commercial relations between the United States and the Republic of Colombia and the strides Colombia has made in improving security conditions, reducing violence and enhancing economic opportunities for its citizens under President Uribe’s leadership and the need for continued progress in these areas.

They also highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) and the U.S. and Colombian Governments’ shared commitment to eventual passage of the TPA.

“We look forward to continuing to work as partners with the Colombian government to expand our robust trading relationship and improve the ability of Colombians to exercise their fundamental labor rights,” Secretary Locke said. “The TPA can play a central role in the accomplishment of these goals.”