The following is attributable to Spokesperson Clayton M. McCleskey:

On Monday, United States Agency for International Development Administrator Mark Green met with President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos in Bogota. The Administrator thanked President Santos for his enduring commitment to strengthening the strong partnership between the United States and Colombia during his term in office. Administrator Green highlighted Colombia as a key partner, whose development success is a model for the region. In recognition of the enduring partnership between USAID and Colombia, President Santos awarded USAID the Order of the Boyaca, the highest honor the Colombian government grants to foreign governments.

During their meeting, the Administrator and President Santos discussed the wide range of bilateral development programs that promote a safer and more prosperous Colombia. The Administrator also praised Colombia's continued path to lasting peace, including by combating drug trafficking, addressing human rights concerns, and reinforcing legal markets to stimulate Colombia's economy.

The Administrator and President Santos also discussed the mounting crisis in Venezuela, which is affecting the entire region. Administrator Green thanked Colombia for its leadership and for hosting Venezuelans, who have fled the brutality of the Maduro regime. The Administrator reiterated the US commitment to displaced Venezuelans, as well as Colombian communities affected by the population influx, underscored by his announcement yesterday of an additional $6 million in humanitarian assistance for Venezuelans in Colombia.