US President Donald Trump has endorsed Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of an upcoming runoff election.
Trump praised the candidate, who is known by the nickname "El Tigre" ("The Tiger"), calling him a "smart, strong, and tough leader" committed to advancing Colombia's interests.
"The results of this Election are very important to the future of Colombia and its relationship to the United States," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Colombia's presidential election will proceed to a runoff after no candidate won an outright majority in the first round of voting, according to preliminary results released Sunday by electoral authorities.
De la Espriella will face off against Ivan Cepeda on June 21.
"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," Trump said.
De la Espriella 'deeply honoured'
Commenting on Trump's endorsement on X, de la Espriella said he is "deeply honoured" to receive the US president's support.
"The United States is crucial for combating crime and narco-terrorism in our country," de la Espriella said.
"I am deeply honoured to receive the resolute support of President Donald Trump and his administration."
He also said that if he wins the election, he will forge a strong partnership with the US.
"I know that in the era of the Tiger, we will forge a partnership like none Colombia has ever had with the United States before," de la Espriella said.
