MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

PM Theresa May congratulates President Santos on the historic peace deal

The agreement is a significant personal achievement for the President that will put Colombia on a path towards long-term peace and prosperity, said PM May

British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with President Juan Manuel Santos to congratulate him about the historic peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). President Santos thanked the UK for its central role in helping reach the agreement.

 The official 10 Downing Street specifies that the Prime Minister called President Santos of Colombia to congratulate him on the historic peace deal reached with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

She noted that, after more than 50 years of conflict and 4 years of tough negotiations, this agreement is a significant personal achievement for the President that will put Colombia on a path towards long-term peace and prosperity. She assured him that Britain will continue to support Colombia as it implements the deal, including through diplomatic channels at the UN.

President Santos thanked the Prime Minster for the central role the UK has played in helping Colombia reach this agreement. Britain led on drafting a UN Security Council Resolution to secure international support for verifying a ceasefire, and the UK has given practical advice based on our peace-building experience in Northern Ireland.

They ended the call by underlining their commitment to building on the strong bilateral relationship and by looking forward to meeting during Colombia’s upcoming state visit to the UK, the first in its history.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also referred to the major achievement in Colombia.

“This is an historic time for Colombia, as it moves forward after more than 50 years of internal conflict, and almost four years of negotiations.

”The UK is proud to have been a longstanding and steadfast partner of Colombia. We shall continue to work with the Colombian government, civil society and business sectors to help ensure that today’s achievement is sustainable.

“Colombia has shown real courage to make such progress. Its citizens can dare to dream of a future that will be better for all”