Cynthia Arnson of Washington's Wilson Center, the author of several books on Colombia, says President Uribe is undoubtedly the Bush administration's closest ally in Latin America. "But President Bush has this visit with President Uribe when there is a very large political cloud hanging over his head and I think that both presidents will try to manage the spin to keep the spotlight away from the scandal having to do with paramilitary influence in the congress and in the security services."
In addition to his meeting with the Colombian leader, President Bush will take part in events designed to show the US commitment goes beyond counter-narcotics. While in Bogata, he will meet with a group of Afro-Colombians who have taken part in U.S. run education programs. He will also get a briefing on efforts to get farmers to grow alternative crops.
About 20,000 police will be involved in providing security for the president's visit, which will last less than seven hours. He travels to Colombia from Uruguay, where he held talks with President Tabare Vazquez that focused largely on trade.