Under Secretary for Political Affairs Ambassador Wendy Sherman will visit Colombia January 29-30, Mexico January 31-February 1, and Brazil February 2-4.
During Under Secretary Sherman’s visit to Colombia, she will continue discussions with President Santos and senior government officials in Bogota about preparations for the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena in April 2012. The visit will also underscore the breadth of the U.S.-Colombia relationship, highlighting Colombia’s increasing role as a regional leader and partner of the United States. The Under Secretary’s meetings with government officials and civil society leaders will advance important issues of mutual interest including regional security, combating drug trafficking, protection of human rights, and strengthening our economic relationship, including preparations for the implementation of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.
Under Secretary Sherman will travel to Mexico City to advance the strong U.S.-Mexico partnership. In Mexico City, she will meet with senior government officials, civil society leaders, and journalists. Under Secretary Sherman will also join First Lady Margarita Zavala to inaugurate the National Network Against Addictions (RENADIC) - a Merida Initiative-supported information technology platform to monitor and reduce drug demand. The Under Secretary’s visit will reaffirm our productive relationship on a range of issues including economic prosperity, regional cooperation, and civil society participation in confronting shared challenges. The visit will also reinforce our continuing cooperation under the Merida Initiative to build strong, resilient communities and a secure, efficient 21st century border.
Under Secretary Sherman’s visit to Brazil will reinforce our constructive partnership with this vibrant democracy, South America’s largest country, and underscore joint efforts to foster economic prosperity through education and increased trade and investment, and support for social inclusion that taps the potential of all citizens. She will travel to Brasilia and then to Recife in northeast Brazil. In Brasilia, the Under Secretary will meet with senior officials to discuss areas of mutual interest, including bilateral cooperation and regional as well as global issues. In Recife, Under Secretary Sherman will engage with government officials, youth, women, and business leaders. She will take part in a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation with the State of Pernambuco.
