• Ar
  • Es
Al Mayadeen English
  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Feature
  • Videos
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Feature
Videos
Infographs
In Pictures
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. US & Canada
  4. US confirms Colombia "major" non-NATO ally
US & Canada

US confirms Colombia "major" non-NATO ally

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 24 May 08:54
  • 1 Shares

President Biden has formally designated Colombia as a "major" partner, as Bogota pledges military assistance to Kiev.

  • US confirms Colombia
    US President Joe Biden

On Monday, US President Joe Biden signed a memorandum establishing Colombia as a key non-NATO ally of the US, a privileged status that would provide Bogota many defense and commercial benefits in its relations with Washington.

Although the Biden Administration pledged to award Colombia special status in March, the delayed approval now coincided with the South American country's promise of military assistance to Ukraine.

Colombian President Ivan Duque Tweeted praise for Washington's designation of Colombia as a non-NATO ally, calling the decision a reaffirmation of "the good moment of our bilateral relations."

Following a request from Washington, Colombian Defense Minister Diego Molano stated on Monday that a contingent of his country's forces will assist in training Ukrainian soldiers in de-mining procedures.

Read more: US military ramps up training of Ukrainian forces

 

Diego stated that “This training will be given by 11 military engineers who will go to a NATO member country which is a neighbor of Ukraine."

The designation of important non-NATO ally has been conferred to 19 countries throughout the world, most recently Qatar. It grants economic benefits to US allies such as financing, joint research, and even exclusive defense contracts with NATO countries. However, the status does not imply any security responsibilities to the selected countries.

Colombia: Washington's arm in S. America

It is noteworthy that in April, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused his Colombian counterpart, Ivan Duque, of planning sabotage attacks against law enforcement officers on the territory of Venezuela.

In February 2019, Venezuela severed diplomatic relations with Colombia after an attempt by opposition activists led by Juan Guaido to truck humanitarian aid across the border. The Venezuelan government said this was an invasion attempt.

Caracas has repeatedly accused Bogota of consistently destabilizing the internal situation in Venezuela by means of "attempted invasions" and the infiltration of armed terrorist groups across the border.

Read more: US to Remove Colombia's FARC from Terrorism List

 

In July 2021, Venezuela arrested armed men and confiscated the US and Colombian military weapons. 

The Venezuelan Vice President said during a televised statement that “three members of Colombian armed gangs were detained in connection to the raids”.

Meanwhile, Venezuela held the United States and Colombia responsible for carrying out a series of sabotage operations and attempting to incite violence in their country.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has previously accused the US of plotting to kill him and topple his government.

  • United States
  • Nato
  • Colombia
  • Ukraine

Trending Now

All
US Secretary of Defense: Efforts to help Ukraine must intensify

US Secretary of Defense: Efforts to help Ukraine must intensify

Most Read

Belarus reveals mass executions of Iraqi refugees by Polish soldiers

Belarus reveals mass executions of Iraqi refugees by Polish soldiers

  • Europe
  • 22 Jun
Russian cruise missile "Kalibr"

Russian MoD: 50 Ukrainian officers killed in strike

  • Europe
  • 19 Jun
Texas could vote to secede from US in 2023.

Texas could vote to secede from US in 2023

  • US & Canada
  • 21 Jun
"Israel" is both against and for a deal, and can't admit it, US is drifting

"Israel" is both against and for a deal, and can't admit it, US is drifting

  • Analysis
  • 19 Jun

Read this

All
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 25, 2022
MENA

Iraq PM lands in Saudi in first stop in regional visit

  • Today
Turkey & US discuss NATO expansion, Ukrainian grain export
Europe

Turkey & US discuss NATO expansion, Ukrainian grain export

  • 25 Jun
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 25, 2022 (Sputnik)
Europe

Putin, Lukashenko discuss regional security, world fertilizer supply

  • Today
Ukrainian refugees in Budapest, Hungary
Europe

25,000 people evacuated from Ukraine, Donbass to Russia in past day

  • 25 Jun
Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS