Colombia and U.S. sign minerals, nuclear pacts in Barranquilla

Plan Patriota Siglo XXI asks Rubio for U.S. security investment

Colombia and the United States signed agreements on critical minerals and civilian nuclear energy and opened parallel talks on expanded security cooperation, trade and a possible joint military base during a meeting Tuesday in Barranquilla between Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The session was the first high-level encounter between the two governments since De la Espriella took office on Aug. 7, ending years of strained relations between Bogotá and Washington under his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. The two governments are calling the package the Barranquilla Agreements. Its three central goals, De la Espriella said, are “rebuilding the nation, restoring the economy and shielding the hemisphere.”

The “rebuilding” pillar responds to the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western and central Colombia on Aug. 10. As of the latest count, the National Disaster Risk Management Unit has confirmed 331 deaths, 4,505 injuries and 111 people missing.

Under the minerals and nuclear memorandums, the two countries agreed to pursue technical exchanges, responsible investment, geological research and mineral processing aimed at positioning Colombia as a supplier for clean-technology and battery supply chains. They also agreed to cooperate on peaceful nuclear technology, including energy security, scientific research and regulatory capacity.

De la Espriella presented a security initiative he called “Plan Patriota Siglo XXI,” asking Rubio for U.S. investment to modernize Colombia’s aircraft, radars, drones, helicopters, anti-drone systems, air defenses, mobility, intelligence, cyberdefense and special forces. “The threats of the 21st century demand new capabilities,” De la Espriella said, according to the Colombian magazine Semana, adding that Colombia would commit its own resources but needed U.S. backing.

De la Espriella confirmed that Colombia has begun to operate within the Shield of the Americas, a U.S.-backed regional anti-drug coalition that Washington launched in March 2026, and that Medellín will host its operations center in Colombia. “We’re going to do whatever is necessary to fight organized crime and give those criminals what they deserve: prison or a grave,” De la Espriella said.

Rubio said Washington has not ruled out establishing a U.S. or joint military base in Colombia, though he stressed no decision has been made and that any move would require a formal invitation from the Colombian government. “We’re prepared to provide whatever they ask us for,” Rubio said, according to Semana, calling the base idea an early-stage possibility still under study.

On trade, no tariff agreement was reached. Colombia has been seeking relief from a 12.5% U.S. tariff imposed in July on a range of Colombian exports, including flowers, after the U.S. Trade Representative’s office determined, following an investigation, that Colombia had not effectively curbed imports of goods made with forced labor, the Argentine outlet Infobae reported. Asked whether the tariff would be lifted, Rubio said talks were continuing. “We’re working on that,” he said, adding that Greer has been negotiating directly with Colombian officials.

Separately, De la Espriella signed a decree ending the nationwide suspension of firearm-carry permits, fulfilling a campaign promise. “This does not mean indiscriminate carrying,” De la Espriella said in a statement from the Colombian presidency, which said strict controls, requirements and permits from military authorities remain in place. The decree restores the effectiveness of valid individual carry permits without requiring the special additional authorization previously mandated, according to the statement. It does not apply to expired, suspended, canceled or revoked permits, weapons under judicial or administrative restriction, people legally barred from carrying firearms, or permits that cover possession but not public carry, the presidency said. Colombia’s state monopoly over weapons, munitions and explosives remains unchanged.