Colombia (Washington Insider Magazine)— In a recent political control debate held by the Second Commission of the House of Representatives, Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo addressed the immigration situation in the Darién Gap. Murillo asserted that there is no “solid reason” for the United States to continue requiring visas from Colombian citizens. He emphasized that this issue hinges on political will and indicated that the Colombian Government will persist in advocating for unrestricted travel for its citizens to the United States.
“It is a matter of political will. There is no solid reason (…) that a visa must be requested from Colombian men and women who go to the United States. We will continue to insist, because it is a matter of national interest that Colombians do not require a visa,” stated Murillo.
Murillo justified his stance by highlighting the strategic relationship between Colombia and the United States, noting significant progress in various sectors.
Crisis in Darién
The Foreign Minister also addressed comments made by José Raúl Mulino, the president-elect of Panama, regarding the potential closure of the Darién Forest to control migratory flows. Murillo downplayed these statements, suggesting they were made during the heat of the campaign. He confirmed an upcoming visit by President Gustavo Petro to Panama to discuss this and other diplomatic issues, including a proposed railway connection.
According to Rcnradio, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Directorate of Migration, Consular Affairs and Citizen Services, is implementing a Comprehensive Migration Policy. This policy promotes a regional approach to migratory flows, in which countries of origin, transit, and destination share responsibilities and challenges. The goal is to ensure safe, orderly, regular, and humane migration,” Murillo said.
Joint Efforts for Migration Management
Responding to a questionnaire from Representative Luis Miguel López, who summoned the debate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that closing the border is not a feasible solution due to the extensive and challenging conditions of the border area. Instead, the ministry advocated for collaborative efforts between countries to address this regional phenomenon effectively.
“The border closure is not only unfeasible due to the extension and conditions of the border, but it also does not solve the problem; on the contrary, it aggravates and relocates it. Therefore, it is necessary to promote joint work between countries to confront this regional phenomenon,” the Ministry stated.
