27 Mar 2018 | 07:08 AM UTC
Colombia/Peru: US President Trump to visit April 13-15
US President Donald Trump to attend the Summit of the Americans conference in Peru on April 13-14 before heading to Colombia on April 15; increased security measures anticipated
Event
US President Trump is scheduled to visit Lima (Peru) from Friday, April 13, through Saturday, April 14, to attend the annual Summit of the Americas conference. President Trump will then travel to Colombia after the event for a visit on April 15. The trip will be his first trip as president to Latin America after over a year in office. During the trip, Trump is scheduled to hold meetings with Peruvian and Colombian leaders, where he will emphasize the US’s priorities of “fair and reciprocal” trade and secure borders.
Security will be tightened throughout Lima and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected. Protests are possible as President Trump enjoys little popular support in Latin America, with a January poll showing only a 16 percent approval rating.
Context
President Trump has had a rocky relationship with countries in Latin America over his time in office, taking controversial actions such as: threatening to decertify Colombia from its list of partner nations in the war on drugs in September 2017, planning to build a border wall separating the US from Latin American immigrants, and establishing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. White House officials have stated the trip is meant to demonstrate the US resolve in deepening historical ties to the partners in the region and strengthen the joint commitment to improve security throughout the Americas.
Advice
Individuals in Peru and Colombia are advised to remain vigilant and to expect increased security measures and travel delays.
