Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos proclaimed “the world now recognizes us as the great promise of Latin America,” in a speech released on his official website Friday.
The remark came as part of his state of the union address, in which he also declared “democratic prosperity, prosperity for all has begun to sprout.”
Santos outlined the achievements of his 18-month tenure so far, including the creation of 1.9 million jobs, the commenced construction of 260,000 homes and the implementation of free education in public schools, affecting 8.9 million children.
Santos said, “Employment is a superb example of the seeds we have sown which now sprout from the ground. We have created 1.9 million jobs since the beginning of the government. That means more income for households, the more chance of a decent life and better opportunities.”
The president also pointed to the the establishment of international relations “without tension or diplomatic crisis affecting our economy.” Santos’ predecessor Alvaro Uribe oversaw a dramatic downturn in relations with neighbours Venezuela and Ecuador, which has now been largely overcome.
