President Obama meets with Colombia President Santos

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama met with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Tuesday at the White House.

The White House earlier laid out plans for the meeting as an opportunity for Obama to discuss "our longstanding partnership with Colombia and our continuing support for the Santos Administration’s efforts to achieve peace and to build a more democratic society. The President looks forward to discussing cooperation on promoting citizen security, respect for human rights, and economic prosperity for all Colombians. The President also looks forward to discussing the expansion of our economic ties, anchored by the growing trade relationship we share through the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement."

The meeting comes amid peace talks between the the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC.

President Obama was accompanied by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, National Security Advisor Ambassador Susan Rice and high ranking State Department officials.

[White House]