The United States and Colombia have signed two major agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths and civilian nuclear energy. The agreements were announced in Barranquilla during talks involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella and Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.
One memorandum focuses on protecting and diversifying supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements, while the second establishes a framework for greater cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy.
Rubio praised Colombia’s new leadership and said the relationship between Washington and Bogotá had suffered serious tensions in recent years. He expressed confidence that the two countries could now expand cooperation in energy, trade and investment.
The agreements followed a bilateral meeting that also focused on attracting private investment in energy, logistics and transport infrastructure. President De La Espriella emphasized that holding the meeting in Barranquilla reflected his government’s commitment to strengthening Colombia’s regions rather than concentrating power in Bogotá.
The Colombian president also thanked the United States for providing humanitarian assistance after a recent earthquake. He said the disaster response had helped create an opportunity for closer strategic cooperation.
The new Barranquilla Accords establish a broader three-part roadmap centered on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting economic recovery and strengthening security cooperation throughout the Americas.
De La Espriella also proposed creating a bilateral prosperity dialogue to develop practical projects involving financing, technology, infrastructure, industry and critical minerals.
The two sides additionally discussed Colombia’s request for the United States to remove tariffs. Rubio explained that after a US Supreme Court ruling invalidated the tariff mechanism previously used by President Donald Trump, Washington must now pursue a new process under Section 301.
Rubio said negotiations between the two countries were progressing and that the US administration hoped to reach an agreement with Colombia soon, although no tariff deal was announced during the meeting.
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