Former Colombian ministers send a letter to Marco Rubio to reaffirm their commitment to bilateral relations with the U.S.

More than 30 former Colombian ministers, officials, and business leaders sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday , reaffirming their commitment to the relationship between the White House and the government of Gustavo Petro.

"We have learned with concern about the call for consultations from the United States Chargé d'Affaires in Colombia, His Excellency John McNamara , which reflects a moment of tension in the bilateral relationship between our nations. The undersigned, a group of committed Colombians, wish to express our firm commitment to finding the appropriate channels to continue building and strengthening this historic alliance, which we value so much," they begin by stating in the letter.

The document also states that the government's position does not represent the feelings of the Colombian people.

"We want to convey to you that the defiant, aggressive, and disobliging stance of President Gustavo Petro's government toward the United States, its cooperation, and its people does not represent the sentiments of the Colombian people. We are fully aware of the importance of U.S. cooperation in the military, diplomatic, financial, export, security, intelligence, anti-drug, and educational fields, which has been fundamental to Colombia's development," it reads.

And they add: " This relationship, carefully built by generations of Colombians and Americans , is strategic and we aspire to keep it in force for at least the next 200 years, for the mutual benefit of our peoples and the democratic values ​​that we both represent.

For former ministers and officials, this cannot and should not be put at risk due to current tensions.

"The current administration's attitude should be attributed exclusively to the president, not to Colombians, nor to exporters, business owners, or workers, for whom the U.S. market is essential to sustaining jobs and meeting the needs of families. For a vast majority of Colombians, the relationship with the United States is essential to guaranteeing the well-being of our families, access to opportunities, macroeconomic stability, and the defense of shared democratic values," they note.

They also pledge to strengthen the relationship through business, academic, judicial, institutional, and civic channels , actively working to consolidate bilateral ties "as political circumstances in Colombia evolve."

"We are aware that the relationship between Colombia and the United States has historically been a cornerstone of democratic stability in Latin America. Bilateral cooperation has contributed to strengthening the rule of law, citizen security, governability, and economic growth in our region," they assert.

And they add: " Therefore, we believe that a rupture or deterioration of this relationship would not only be detrimental to our countries, but also to the geopolitical interests of the hemisphere.

We courteously ask that, in this complex geopolitical moment, we continue to collaborate to preserve democratic values ​​in our region, confront the dictatorship in Venezuela, and counter the threats looming over our hemisphere."

Maria Alejandra Gonzalez Duarte