Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the outcome of the presidential election in Colombia:

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to offer my sincere congratulations to Juan Manuel Santos Calderón on his re-election.

“Canada and Colombia enjoy a deep and long-standing relationship based on shared values and strong political, economic and social ties.

“Since the coming into force of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Colombia, Canadian and Colombian businesses have benefited from expanded commercial ties.

“I look forward to working with President Santos to further strengthen the bonds between our two great nations.”