COLOMBIA GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIPS DEMARCHE

UNCLAS BOGOTA 002107 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT EAID ECIN ECON EFIS MARR MASS MCAP CO SUBJECT: COLOMBIA GLOBAL MARITIME PARTNERSHIPS DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: STATE 50488 ¶1. On May 13 econoff delivered reftel non-paper to the Colombian Ministry of External Qs (MRE) North America Desk Officer Claudia Cuevas who agreed to distribute non-paper to appropriate GOC agencies. Econoff also contacted the Colombian Maritime Agency Director of International Affairs William Pedroza on May 15 and provided non-paper. Pedroza said the concept appeared positive but that he would need to consult with GOC colleagues before offering a specific endorsement of support. ¶2. Finally, MilGrp Navy Mission provided a copy of non-paper to Admiral Guillermo Barrera, Commander of the Colombian Navy. Barrera expressed a very strong interest in the GMP and Colombia's participation in the GMP. MilGrp Navy Mission will continue to follow-up with Barrera on the GMP. Barrera also noted that the Colombian Navy, with the assistance of SOUTHCOM, will hold the First Maritime Counter-Narcotrafficking Symposium of the Americas in Cartagena in November. Colombia has invited the heads of the maritime services of every country in the Americas, plus selected representatives from Europe and Africa. BROWNFIELD