UK stresses support for sustainable peace in Colombia

LONDON

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond underlined the U.K.'s long-term support for Colombia's peace process during his visit to the country on Wednesday.

"Since 2015 we have committed over £9 million to post-conflict projects in Colombia, drawing on our own experience in Northern Ireland," Hammond stated.

The official talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) started three years ago. Hammond said that U.K. would back efforts underway to reach a sustainable agreement to reach an eventual ceasefire.

"Our support extends further to areas of shared prosperity and bilateral trade. This year, we will contribute £1 million to Prosperity Fund programs which promote Colombia’s economic development and £20 million on science and innovation through the Newton Caldas Fund over five years," Hammond also announced.

This is Hammond's first official visit to Colombia. He is expected to meet with President Juan Manuel Santos and Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas Echeverri in Bogota.

Armed insurgency launched by the FARC in Colombia in 1964 led to death of around 220,000 people and displacement of more than five million others.

LONDON

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond underlined the U.K.'s long-term support for Colombia's peace process during his visit to the country on Wednesday.

"Since 2015 we have committed over £9 million to post-conflict projects in Colombia, drawing on our own experience in Northern Ireland," Hammond stated.

This is Hammond's first official visit to Colombia. He is expected to meet with President Juan Manuel Santos and Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas Echeverri in Bogota.

Armed insurgency launched by the FARC in Colombia in 1964 led to death of around 220,000 people and displacement of more than five million others.