PM Modi congratulates De la Espriella on winning Colombian Presidential elections

New Delhi, June 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella and said he looked forward to working together with him to deepen bilateral relations.

“Heartiest congratulations, Abelardo de la Espriella, on your victory in the Colombian presidential elections,” PM Modi wrote on social media platform X.

“India values its close friendship with Colombia which continues to grow in all areas. I convey my best wishes for a successful tenure and look forward to working together to further deepen our bilateral relations in the years ahead,” he added.

Colombia’s National Electoral Council on Wednesday officially declared Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing candidate, President-elect for the 2026-2030 term following ballot counting for Sunday’s election.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ivan Cepeda, the candidate of the Left-wing coalition Historic Pact, conceded defeat during a livestream.

Colombia held the second round of its Presidential election on Sunday, in which De la Espriella faced Cepeda, Xinhua news agency reported.

Preliminary results released by Colombia’s National Civil Registry on Sunday night showed De la Espriella leading Cepeda by about 1 percentage point.

De la Espriella received endorsement from US President Donald Trump for his candidacy.

“Congratulations to Colombian Presidential Candidate, ‘El Tigre (THE TIGER)’, Abelardo de la Espriella, a Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader, on his decisive Victory in the first round of the Colombian Presidential Election! Abelardo fights tirelessly for, and loves, his Great Country and People, just like I do for the United States of America,” Trump posted on social media earlier this month.

“As President, Abelardo would be tremendously successful in leading Colombia to Grow the Economy, Create Jobs, Promote Trade, Stop Illegal Immigration, Crack Down on Crime and Drugs, and Restore LAW AND ORDER! Abelardo will face off against a Radical Left Marxist in the Runoff on June 21st — The results of this Election are very important to the future of Colombia and its relationship to the United States. Because of his tremendous accomplishments in life, and his political support for me, personally, it is my Honor to give Abelardo my Complete and Total Endorsement,” he added.

–IANS

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