8/10/2010- Congressman Sires Attended Inauguration of the 59th President of Colombia

For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey

August 10, 2010                                                                     201-222-2828

Washington, D.C. – On August 7, 2010, Congressman Albio Sires joined his colleagues from the U.S. Congress in attending the inauguration of the 59th President of Colombia Juan Manual Santos. The ceremony took place on Saturday August 7, 2010 in Bogota, Colombia. In meetings with Former President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe and newly inaugurated President Santos, Sires celebrated the accomplishments of Colombia and the country’s strong partnership with the United States.

“I congratulate President Santos and commend the people of Colombia for their relentless dedication to the democratic process, shown through this election,” said Congressman Sires. “In an increasingly volatile region, Colombia has continued on the path towards reform while combating drug trafficking and terrorism. Their efforts have had a positive effect on Colombian and U.S. national security. Additionally, Colombia has made remarkable progress on other fronts, emerging as an important growth market and a leading center for Latin American business.  Colombia has consistently proven itself to be an important friend, a reliable partner, and a champion for democracy, and I look forward to a continued partnership between our two nations,” added Congressman Sires.

Congressman Sires attended the inauguration ceremonies as Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere along with other Congressional members on the bipartisan trip. He attended the inauguration in conjunction with the heads of the nations of Central and South America.  While in Colombia, Sires also met with President Felipe Calderon of Mexico, President Mauricio  Funes of El Salvador, President Porfirio Lobo of Honduras, President Álvaro Colom of Guatemala, and President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama to discuss U.S. relations with the region.

###