By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
US Representative Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) will host Colombia’s Ambassador to the United States, Juan Carlos Pinzon in Mobile on Wednesday and Thursday.
Ambassador Pinzon said, “Colombia and Alabama have a dynamic economic partnership that benefits businesses small and large, farmers and workers both in the state and throughout Colombia. I look forward to visiting Mobile this week and meeting with policymakers and business and community leaders to determine how we can make an already strong partnership even stronger.”
Congressman Byrne said: “I always appreciate the opportunity to host world leaders in Mobile to show the exciting progress taking place in our area. There is great potential for economic partnerships between Colombia and the United States, and I look forward to exploring that partnership further. I believe we both stand to learn from one another, and I look forward to a productive visit.”
Over 47 million people live in the South American Country. In September the country signed a peace agreement between the Columbian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to end a 50 year civil war. The voters however narrowly rejected the peace agreement in the public referendum to approve the agreement. Negotiations however continue.
During his visit, Ambassador Pinzon will visit local businesses, speak with community and business leaders, meet with students and faculty at the University of South Alabama, and tour the Port of Mobile.
Columbia could see more foreign investment and a surging economy without the violence that plagued the nation for fifty years of fighting with the Marxist FARC, who at their height occupied almost half of the country and were threatening the capital. Mobile is ideally situated to benefit from trade between the two countries.
Congressman Byrne traveled to Colombia last year to learn more about the peace process and the relationship between Colombia and Southwest Alabama. He and Ambassador Pinzon will hold a press conference to discuss his visit and answer questions on Wednesday.
Congressman Byrne represents Alabama’s First Congressional District.
