Traslated by Andrés Martínez Forero
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán met with John McNamara, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, to continue strengthening bilateral ties in critical areas such as urban security, migrant inclusion, and economic opportunities.
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During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a close, open, and trust-based relationship, recognizing shared priorities in key areas for sustainable development. As McNamara noted, the U.S. and Colombia continue working together to address the challenges of migration, public safety, and economic development, while also confronting organized crime and drug trafficking.
Mayor Galán emphasized the strategic role the United States plays for Bogotá, highlighting its position as the city’s main trading partner and a key ally in boosting security, expanding trade ties, and attracting foreign investment to drive economic and social development.
Mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán shared highlights from the meeting on his official X account:
Estados Unidos es un aliado estratégico para Bogotá en materia de seguridad, inversión y comercio, entre otros temas.
— Carlos F. Galán (@CarlosFGalan) July 17, 2025
Avanzamos en un diálogo con el Encargado de Negocios que permitirá fortalecer la seguridad urbana en Bogotá, fortalecer los lazos comerciales, buscar nuevas… https://t.co/vJgpp12Gou
One of the core topics discussed was the shared commitment to implement coordinated actions that address Bogotá’s public safety challenges. The city government has significantly increased its investment in this sector, aiming to reduce rates of homicide, theft, and extortion. The conversation explored opportunities for cooperation in adopting successful practices from U.S. cities and strengthening technological capabilities.
On migration, Bogotá reiterated its commitment to a policy of socioeconomic inclusion, recognizing migrants as a vital part of the city’s social fabric. With major investments in public services—especially those supporting migrant children and youth—the city has rolled out a strategy that not only upholds human rights but also helps reduce irregular migration flows northward. The U.S. delegation welcomed these efforts and identified them as a priority area for cooperation.
The meeting also focused on deepening economic ties between Bogotá and the United States. City officials expressed their interest in attracting new investments that can boost growth and create jobs—particularly in strategic sectors like science, technology, and innovation. They presented progress on the Bogotá Science, Technology, and Innovation Campus (CTIB), a major initiative aimed at positioning the city as a regional tech hub. The discussion included potential partnerships with U.S. innovation ecosystems and joint trade missions.
This meeting aligns with Bogotá’s internationalization strategy, which seeks to forge strategic partnerships, attract global cooperation, and position the city as a regional leader in sustainable urban development, resilience, inclusion, and competitiveness.
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For Bogotá, collaboration with partners like the United States plays a critical role in solving global challenges through local action. Dialogues like this help align shared visions and deliver concrete benefits to residents through knowledge exchange, stronger institutions, and the construction of a safer, more inclusive city.
*This article was created using information provided by the Bogotá’s International Relations Office and curated by a journalist from Portal Bogotá. For suggestions, questions, or more information, visit Bogotá Te Escucha: https://bogota.gov.co/sdqs/
