Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella asked for the high tariffs imposed on his country to be temporarily suspended during a 10-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
One of the main topics of the conversation was the rescue and relief efforts continuing after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10. De la Espriella thanked Trump for the economic support provided for these efforts.
Trump also offered his condolences for those who lost their lives in the earthquake and expressed solidarity with Colombian families affected by the disaster.

The Colombian president said his country was facing a major test. De la Espriella said they would rebuild Colombia despite the extremely difficult and devastating economic situation he had inherited.
De la Espriella said the phone call had been extremely friendly and sincere. He said Trump had expressed his affection for Colombia and sympathy for the Colombian people, and reiterated his gratitude for U.S. solidarity and support.
The death toll from the earthquake has risen to 294.