"Colombia is our number one security ally in the region. We have to work very closely to face threats," he said.

Márquez spoke with Richardson about the redefinition of the strategy in terms of the role that the United States will have, this with the guidelines of the current government of Gustavo Petro.

During the meeting, he highlighted the results of Operation Artemisa, which has been underway for some time and whose main objective is to halt all deforestation throughout the country and recover the rainforest, as well as to bring to jail those responsible for logging and burning the forest.

Significant progress has been made and Richardson congratulated Colombia.

Twenty campaigns have been developed within the operation, in different sectors such as National Natural Parks, forest reserve areas, allowing the intervention in 27,044 hectares of forest.

In addition, 119 people have been arrested by court order and/or in flagrante delicto, and have been charged with different environmental crimes. In addition, 102 tools and equipment and 7 vehicles have been seized. During this time, 53 constructions, 23 illegal road points and 10 bridges in a natural protection zone have been disabled.

For the great work of the country, the American decorated the Colombian military. She highlighted the service of retired General Luis Navarro when he was in charge of the country's defense.

"In Colombia, Commanding General Laura Richardson presented the Legion of Merit Award to retired Colombian General Luis Navarro Jimenez for his efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Colombia security partnership," the U.S. Government reported.

The Colombian military also decorated Richardson for helping to maintain U.S.-Colombian relations.