Marco Rubio heads to Colombia to discuss trade, counter narcotic efforts in the area

Published December 29, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 13: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) speaks during a National Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon May 13, 2014 in Washington, DC. Sen. Rubio delivered a policy speech on social security and answered questions during the luncheon. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (2014 Getty Images)

While most the country recovers from an election hangover, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is heading to Colombia.

Rubio is to begin a two-day trip to Bogota Wednesday. His staff says he will meet with Colombian officials, as well as business and civic leaders, to discuss the status of peace talks, counter-narcotics efforts and possibilities for exporting such efforts to other countries in the region.

Rubio is making the trip in his official capacity as a member of the Senate's foreign relations and intelligence committees.

Florida is home to the largest community of Colombians in the United States and is the state with the most trade. Rubio also has personal connections. His wife's parents are from Colombia.

The United States and Colombia have been looking to build on their 2-year-old free trade agreement.