Abelardo de la Espriella backs María Elvira Salazar and calls her Colombia’s best friend

Abelardo de la Espriella expressed support for Florida Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar in a video the congresswoman posted on Instagram and X. In the recording, he called her “Colombia’s best friend in the United States Congress.”

De la Espriella also praised Salazar’s work defending Colombian interests in Washington. He said she had always supported Colombia and that he stood firmly with his friend and country.

Salazar thanked him and said she was proud of the support. In her message, she said she represents thousands of Colombians in South Florida and has taken Colombian issues to Congress. She also pledged to continue defending the relationship between the two countries.

The exchange occurred three weeks before the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 3. Salazar is seeking reelection in Florida’s 27th District against Democrat Eliott Rodríguez, who is of Cuban origin. The congresswoman had backed De la Espriella during Colombia’s presidential runoff.