U.S. Army General Laura J. Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Colombia in late May 2024.
Highlighting the visit was Gen. Richardson’s meeting with President Gustavo Petro and her participation in the U.S. donation of panel bridges to Colombia that will bolster the nation’s disaster response capabilities.
The Gen. Richardson’s meeting with President Petro took place in Bogotá after her arrival to Colombia May 28 and focused on U.S.-Colombia defense cooperation. Later, she met with Army General Helder Giraldo, commander general of the Colombian Military Forces, and senior military leaders for briefings and discussions on the latest developments in the bilateral defense partnership.
Throughout the day on May 29, Gen. Richardson visited Colombian military units and met with leaders and service members to see firsthand how they contribute to Colombian and regional security.
In Yopal, Gen. Richardson and Gen. Giraldo visited the facilities of the Historic Center of the East Museum (Museo Centro Histórico del Oriente) to learn about the history and culture of the Colombian Orinoquía. Also in Yopal, she visited the Colombian Military Forces’ Joint Command N.4 Orinoquía, which oversees joint operations in Arauca, Casanare, Guainía, and Vichada; Cubará, Boyacá, and Samoré in Norte de Santander. Later on May 31, Gen. Richardson traveled to Inírida and met with 28th Brigade service members and leaders to see how the unit counters transnational criminal organizations and illicit trafficking in eastern Colombia.
On May 30, Gen. Richardson joined Gen. Giraldo and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) Director Carlos Carrillo in Tolemaida as the U.S. donated 10 rapidly employable and recoverable emergency response bridges to UNGRD that will be prepositioned throughout the nation to enable access and aid delivery during a disaster. The bridges will give UNGRD and the Colombian quick access to areas cut-off in the aftermath of a disaster and ensure the timely delivery of crucial relief supplies to Colombia’s most vulnerable populations. The donation, valued at $11.9 million, was facilitated by SOUTHCOM’s Humanitarian Assistance Program.
Colombia is a close, longstanding regional security partner and leader in countering regional threats, fostering regional security cooperation, and supporting humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.