Tillerson: US encouraged by Colombia efforts to reduce coca
BOGOTA — U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday he is encouraged by Colombia’s efforts to slash the amount of cocaine produced in the South American nation but cautioned that “we need to see results.”
In a joint appearance with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Tillerson said that as a primary consumer of illicit drugs the U.S. shares a responsibility in combatting the narcotics trade and will continue to support Colombia’s efforts.
His conciliatory remarks came months after President Donald Trump threatened to decertify Colombia as a partner in the war against drugs unless the nation reversed a record surge in cocaine production.
“We need to see the metrics going in the right way,” Tillerson said. “That’s all President Trump wants as well.”