Yesterday the Congressional Colombia Caucus Co-Chairs, Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL), and Gregory Meeks (D-NY) met with newly-appointed Colombian Labor Minister Rafael Pardo. The meeting focused on the bilateral relations between the United State and Colombia, including labor, trade expansion and economic growth.

 “Today’s meeting with Mr. Pardo reinforces the United States’ ongoing trade relationship with Colombia,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Continuing conversations with our trade partners, such as Colombia, are critical to our recovering U.S. economy.” 

“I look forward to working with Mr. Pardo and the government of Colombia toward opening markets that create new opportunities and higher living standards for families, farmers, manufacturers, workers, consumers, and businesses,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Maintaining trade and security initiatives for the betterment of both countries is mutually beneficial for our countries’ ties.”

“It was a pleasure meeting with Colombia’s Labor Minister, Rafael Pardo. Colombia continues committed to security in our hemisphere and around the world. They continue to fight for freedom, democracy, and combat illegal drug trafficking making tremendous progress on all fronts. As we continue to implement the free trade agreement, Americans as well as Colombians will have the opportunity to get back to work, strengthening both countries economically. Colombia is our great ally and friend, I believe our economic and strategic partnership will continue to grow stronger,” said Diaz-Balart.

The Congressional Caucus on Colombia hosted the meeting with Minister Pardo. In 2009, Reps. Henry Cuellar, Mario Diaz-Balart, Gregory Meeks, and Aaron Schock co-founded the Caucus to strengthen political, economic, and security ties between the United State and Colombia. The Caucus has held meetings and briefings with Colombian officials and dignitaries including Vice President Angelino Garzon, Ambassador and former Defense Minister Gabriel Silva, former Trade Minister Luis Guillermo Plata, and former Ambassador Carolina Barco.