Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero
In a high-level dialogue, Bogotá ’s Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, met with John McNamara, the new Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation in key areas such as security, migration, and trade. This meeting highlights Bogotá’s commitment to international collaboration, driving progress and improving quality of life for its residents.
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The central topic of the meeting was security. Within the framework of the 'Bogotá Camina Segura' (Bogotá Walks Safely) City Development Plan, the capital of Colombia aims to bolster its capabilities to prevent and combat organized crime through advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and strategic international partnerships.
"Security is our top priority. We want to exchange best practices and knowledge to dismantle criminal networks and ensure safe environments for Bogotá’s residents," said Mayor Galán.
John McNamara reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Bogotá’s security initiatives and fostering collaboration to address shared challenges.
"The United States recognizes Bogotá’s progress in enhancing public safety. By working together, we can make a meaningful impact in the fight against organized crime—a threat that affects both of our nations," stated McNamara.
Beyond security, the meeting also addressed initiatives to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of migrants—a priority for the city administration. With over 600,000 Venezuelan migrants living in Bogotá, the city is driving efforts to promote their access to jobs, education, and healthcare to ensure full integration into the local economy and society.
"Our migration policy is more than an act of solidarity—it’s an investment in Bogotá’s growth, diversity, and prosperity," said Galán.
For Bogotá, integrating migrants into the labor market is a strategic priority, while for the United States, supporting these efforts contributes to reducing irregular migration flows. This shared vision underscores the value of international cooperation in addressing global migration challenges.
Trade was also a key topic during the meeting. Bogotá aims to solidify its position as a regional economic hub by attracting foreign investment and creating new business opportunities. Collaboration with the United States is essential for advancing strategic sectors of Bogotá’s economy and driving sustainable growth.
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Through meetings like this, ‘Bogotá, mi Ciudad, mi Casa’ (Bogotá, My City, My Home) reaffirms its international outlook, confident that the city’s future is shaped through dialogue, cooperation, and cross-border partnerships.
This is how the meeting between the mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán and John McNamara, new chargé d'affaires of the United States Embassy in Colombia, was highlighted through the account on the social network X, the Department of International Relations of Bogotá:
🇨🇴I🇺🇸 Bogotá y Estados Unidos exploran nuevas oportunidades de cooperación.
— Relaciones Internacionales Bogotá (@BogotaInter_nal) February 14, 2025
El alcalde @CarlosFGalan se reunió con el Encargado de Negocios de @USEmbassyBogota, John McNamara, para dialogar sobre intereses compartidos en seguridad, migración y relaciones comerciales.
🧵1/4 pic.twitter.com/sEo5W8kHug
