Travel to Colombia, Chile, and Peru October 3-7, 2022

Summary

• Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken travels to Colombia, Chile, and Peru October 3-7, 2022. October 3-4, in Colombia, Secretary Blinken met with President Gustavo Petro, Vice President Francia Márquez, and Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva.  Secretary Blinken’s meetings focused on our shared priorities of supporting strong democratic governments and respect for human rights throughout the Western Hemisphere, tackling the climate crisis, supporting regional efforts to address irregular migration, and implementing a holistic approach to counter narcotics trafficking and address its impacts on health, security, and the environment. Secretary Blinken underscored continued collaboration with the Colombian government to implement the 2016 Peace Accord more fully and reiterated U.S. support of Colombia’s Temporary Protected Status policy for Venezuelan migrants, a model for the region.

• On October 5, in Santiago, Chile, Secretary Blinken met with President Gabriel Boric and Foreign Minister Antonia Urrejola. He reaffirmed U.S. support for democratic governance, bilateral opportunities for trade and investment, regional security and human rights, regional migration management, and climate change mitigation. Secretary Blinken visited Chile’s National Electric Coordinator where U.S.-owned companies help advance our joint goal of greater reliance on renewable energy sources. He also met with alumni of the U.S.-sponsored Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative to discuss how their innovations provide economic growth and positive change to their communities.

• On October 6, Secretary Blinken continued his regional travel in Lima, Peru to lead the U.S. delegation at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS). He underscored the U.S. commitment to the OAS and this year’s theme, “Together Against Inequality and Discrimination.”  He chaired the Summit Implementation Review Group, a ministerial-level meeting, to discuss implementation of commitments from the Ninth Summit of the Americas and reaffirmed the important role of the OAS in advancing democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and security cooperation throughout the Western Hemisphere, consistent with the principles enshrined in the OAS Charter and the 2001 Inter-American Democratic Charter.

• Secretary Blinken also co-led a migration ministerial on the Los Angeles Declaration, addressing irregular migration with our regional partners.  In addition to meeting with OAS Secretary General Almagro, Secretary Blinken engaged with Peruvian President Pedro Castillo and Foreign Minister César Landa to discuss increasing regional security, strengthening democratic governance, protecting the environment, and promoting inclusive economic development.