Joe Biden Announces Appointment of Colombia as U.S.' Major Non-NATO Ally | Here's the Implication of the Partnership

The United States has enacted another cross-country partnership, as President Joe Biden appointed Colombia as U.S.' major non-NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) ally on Thursday.

According to The Hill, Biden announced Colombia's new designation during a visit from Colombian President Ivan Duque to the White House.

"Today I'm proud to announce that I intend to designate Colombia a major non-NATO ally ... that's exactly what you are... This is a recognition of the unique and close relationship between our countries," President Biden said.

Biden also called Colombia a "keystone" in the "shared efforts" to build a prosperous, democratic, and secure hemisphere. It can be recalled that Colombia served as a key partner of the U.S. in managing several issues, such as the South American migration.

Meanwhile, Colombian President Ivan Duque said that Biden's announcement on Thursday recognized the values and principles shared by both the western hemisphere countries, per Associated Press.

Before Colombia's new designation as a non-Nato major ally, The Hill pointed out that the country was considered a "global partner" of the United States.

Biden's announcement marks Colombia as the new addition to a straw of U.S. major non-NATO allies, including Argentina, Australia, and South Korea. Brazil was also given the same title during the reign of former President Donald Trump.

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Effects of Colombia Being a Major Non-NATO Ally of the U.S.

The Hill noted that the status would make it easier for Ivan Duque's government to purchase U.S. weapons and work together on certain security issues.

Meanwhile, the State Department underscored that under U.S. law, the appointment of being a major non-NATO will also benefit the trade of the countries, which is also a symbol of close ties, per AP.

Although Colombia is considered a major non-NATO ally, AP underscored that it still does not have the same security guarantees as the full-fledged NATO members have. The outlet explained that NATO countries are entitled to defend each other if one comes under an attack and that protection does not extend to non-NATO major allies.

In a joint statement from Presidents Biden and Duque, the top executives underscored that their partnership is committed to "advancing" the border drug policy strategy through a "holistic approach" that focuses on evidence-based prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services.

The statement also highlighted that the countries are going to work on a new framework on how nations throughout the hemisphere will collectively manage the migration.

The joint statement from the presidents also mentioned that the cooperation between the countries will be guided by their commitment to several aspects, including environment and social justice and respect for human life.

Colombia on U.S.-Venezuela Talks

It can be recalled that Duque has led regional opposition against Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, whom he called a "dictator," per Associated Press.

During Duque's visit to the White House, the Colombian president remained tight-lipped about the recent U.S-Venezuela meeting that occurred.

"On the issues and details having to do with the visit (to Venezuela), I think U.S. authorities have to answer about that," Duque said, adding that their position concerning Maduro's regime in Venezuela has not changed at all despite Colombia's new designation.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

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