The senator and presidential candidate of Colombia for the Democratic Center, Paloma Valencia, stated that one of her first actions, if she came to power, will be to contact the president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, to request the elimination of tariffs (security tax) and reactivate bilateral trade.
During a campaign event held in Ipiales, in the border area near the Rumichaca international bridge, Valencia raised the need to strengthen the relationship between both countriesin a context marked by trade tensions and border security problems.
“On the first day, the first call I am going to make is to President Noboa and I am going to tell him that Here is someone to fight narcoterrorism and immediately remove our tariffs (security tax) to reactivate trade with our sister Republic of Ecuador,” the candidate said before supporters.
The event was attended by the former Colombian president Alvaro Uribewho supports Valencia’s candidacy, and referred to the security situation in the border region. He pointed out that there is a “narcoterrorist empire led by the FARC” and questioned the lack of cooperation between the Governments of both countries in this matter.
Uribe maintained that the Ecuadorian Government has claimed the absence of support from Colombia in the fight against drug trafficking, and attributed this situation to what he described as a leniency policy against armed groups. He added that a change of approach is required and expressed his support for Valencia as an option to confront these problems.
In her speech, the candidate also proposed immediate measures regarding internal security, such as the militarization of strategic corridors. “On the first day we are going to militarize the Cali, Popayán, and Pasto roads, so that there is no more suffering,” he said.
Valencia also proposed moving towards greater border integration through joint mechanisms between both countries. He indicated that he plans a shared customs office between Ecuador and Colombia to streamline commercial transit, as well as the creation of a border law that allows greater coordination between the bordering territories.
“I dream of this border with a joint customs office between Ecuador and Colombia, which speeds up transit. I imagine this border with a border law, which helps the territories to integrate and have a real brotherhood with the neighboring country”, he expressed.
The statement comes amid an escalation of trade measures between both countries. On April 10, 2026, Colombia announced the increase of the tariff to 100% for Ecuadorian imports, in response to a previous decision by the Government of Ecuador.
A day earlier, Ecuador reported that it will raise the security rate from 50% to 100% on imports from Colombia as of May 1, 2026, arguing the lack of concrete actions regarding border security by the neighboring country.
In this context, Valencia insisted that his eventual administration would seek to reestablish dialogue with Ecuador both in the commercial and security spheres, proposing coordinated actions to confront drug trafficking and facilitate trade.
The candidate called on her followers to support her presidential aspiration. “Help me be the first female president of Colombia,” she said..
The presidential elections in Colombia are scheduled for May 31, 2026, with an eventual second round scheduled for June, in the event that no candidate reaches the required majority. (YO)
