*MEDIA AVAILABILITY TODAY* Diaz-Balart Visits Colombia, Takes Part in World Economic Forum Hosting Media Availability Upon Return

Press Release

This week Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) is taking part in a Congressional Delegation Visit to the World Economic Forum in Cartagena, Colombia. He is joined in Colombia by Democratic Congressman Brian Baird of Washington. During his visit, Diaz-Balart has met with Colombian government officials, candidates running for the office of presidency, and business leaders, and he has taken part in briefings and panel discussions on trade and economic growth in the hemisphere. Last night he met with President Alvaro Uribe and discussed economic growth and the serious need for a Free Trade Agreement.

"President Alvaro Uribe continues to be a great friend of the United States and our nation's best ally in the region. I had the honor of meeting President Uribe in his country to discuss the importance and need for a Free Trade Agreement, economic growth and national security issues. The U.S. must show solidarity with the democratically elected government of Colombia and the Colombian people by prioritizing and passing a Free Trade Agreement with that nation. I urge President Obama and Democratic Leadership in Congress to allow a vote on a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia. Doing so would create jobs in the U.S., give our economy a much needed boost and strengthen our partnership with Colombia, a great ally."

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