Bolivia renews anti-drug cooperation with the United States after nearly two decades

Bolivia Reopens Diplomatic Ties with US, Cooperates with DEA

Bolivia has announced its decision to reopen diplomatic ties with the United States and cooperate with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The move marks a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy, ending a nearly two-decade hiatus in bilateral efforts to combat drug trafficking.

According to Bolivian Minister of Government Marco Oviedo, DEA agents have been operating in the country since last year. Oviedo stated that the initial focus of the law enforcement efforts will be on tightening border surveillance and dismantling trafficking networks. He also mentioned that cooperation with European intelligence and police bodies is underway.

The announcement comes after a nearly two-decade hiatus in diplomatic relations, which was initiated by former President Evo Morales in 2008. At the time, Morales accused the US of using drug enforcement efforts to pressure countries in Latin America to bend to its political and economic agenda.

Bolivia’s decision to cooperate with the DEA is seen as part of a broader effort to address the country’s severe economic crisis. The new government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, has made improving relations with the US a central pillar of their campaign, citing the need for international investment to modernize the energy and lithium sectors.

The agreement marks an end to a period of strained relations between Bolivia and the US, which had been suspended since 2008. The two countries have now agreed to appoint ambassadors to each other’s countries for the first time in nearly 18 years.

Source: Al Jazeera