Ten years ago, we were seen as a virtually failed state, but today we are a vibrant democracy. You can walk safely through the streets of Bogota these days.

Europe would be well advised to pay more attention to Latin America. The emerging economies are the engines of the global economy. Colombia has done too little to improve its reputation in Europe.

A perfect peace is not possible; it doesn't exist.

I remember in 2000, when President Clinton came to Cartagena just before Plan Colombia started, the country was on the verge of becoming a failed state. Today, we are one of the most solid democracies, where institutions are working, where the scandals such as false positives have come to light because of those functioning institutions.

I don't like to generate too many expectations.

I want to see Colombian youth become the best-educated in Latin America by 2025.

The fight against drug trafficking by the Colombian government has been present, and the Americans themselves are the first to recognize that.