Colombian President in Guatemala
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is kicking off Wednesday an official visit to Guatemala, aimed at strengthening ties in security, trade and energy.

During his stay, the Colombian head of state will meet with President Oscar Berger at the National Palace of Culture and attend the session of the Guatemala-Colombia bilateral commission plus a Congressional session.

Official sources confirmed that both nations are signing accords on security, the fight against drug-trafficking and related crimes as well as on energy cooperation and commercial exchange.

Local political analysts say that Colombia could act as a bridge for Guatemalan relations with South America, especially with MERCOSUR.

After Guatemala, Uribe is flying to neighboring El Salvador, where he will talk with President Elias Antonio Saca, deputies and private businesspeople.

On Friday, he will return to Colombia and travel to Bolivia Saturday to attend President-elect Evo Morales´ inauguration on Sunday 22.