U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
Statement by Morgan ortagus, SPOKESPERSON
April 8, 2019
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Cúcuta, Colombia April 11-15 to deepen U.S. partnerships in the Western Hemisphere. The Secretary’s visit will celebrate and reinforce shared commitments to democracy and human rights, highlight increased opportunities for prosperity and security for our citizens, and rally support for democracy in Venezuela.
In Santiago on April 12, the Secretary will meet with President Piñera and Foreign Minister Ampuero to highlight Chile’s regional leadership, our strong economic ties, bilateral partnerships in science and technology, and security cooperation, including on cyber issues.
In Asunción on April 13, Secretary Pompeo will meet with President Abdo Benitez and Foreign Minister Castiglioni to reinforce our strong partnership to combat transnational crime and corruption, strengthen economic ties, and support Venezuelan democracy.
In Lima on April 13, the Secretary will meet with President Vizcarra and Foreign Minister Popolizio to discuss Peru’s support forVenezuelan refugees, the country’songoing leadership role in the Lima Group, and our cooperation regarding transnational crime, economic growth, and other bilateral issues.
Secretary Pompeo will also make a brief stop in Cúcuta, Colombia on April 14 to visit entities supporting Venezuelan refugees and assess the challenges due to the closed border.
Follow Secretary Pompeo’s travel to Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Cúcuta, Colombia via @StateDept and @SecPompeo on Twitter and go to the Department’s Flickr account for the latest trip photos. Stay connected at https://blogs.state.gov/engage, and keep track of all of the Secretary’s travels at https://www.state.gov/secretary/travel/index.htm
