Juan Carlos Pinzón, presidential candidate in Colombia, promises to approach the US: 'Those involved in drug trafficking should run away'
Juan Carlos Pinzón, a Colombian presidential candidate, vows to establish a strong partnership with the United States focused on drug trafficking and security.
In an interview with EFE, Juan Carlos Pinzón, a former Colombian ambassador to Washington and a current presidential candidate, emphasized his commitment to strengthening Colombia's relationship with the United States if he wins the upcoming elections. He aims to create what he describes as 'the best relationship in history' with the U.S., moving beyond traditional security concerns to encompass a renewed anti-drug campaign that would involve strategic alliances and modern technologies. Pinzón has experience working with both Democratic and Republican administrations, providing a foundation for his proposed diplomatic efforts.
Pinzón is part of the right-wing coalition 'Gran consulta por Colombia,' which is set to select a single candidate for the presidential elections on May 31. He highlights the importance of a collaborative approach, sharing that he has already begun developing a roadmap with experts in Washington, leveraging his latest ambassadorship roles, which spanned from 2015 to 2017 and again from 2021 to 2022. This foresight indicates a strategic pre-election positioning aimed at appealing to voters concerned about national security and drug-related violence.
With his strong ties to U.S. political entities and a history of leading initiatives like Plan Colombia against drug trafficking, Pinzón's campaign could significantly influence both U.S.-Colombian relations and Colombia's internal policies regarding narcotics. His statements suggest a clear message that anyone involved in the drug trade should be prepared to face consequences, reminding voters of his commitment to a tougher stance against narcotics as part of his broader approach to governance and collaboration with international partners.