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FLORIDA GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST MEETS WITH COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT ALVARO URIBE

November 11, 2007

Contact:

GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
850-488-5394

SANTIAGO, CHILE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist yesterday met with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in Santiago, Chile. The visit to Santiago is part of a five-day trade and economic development mission, during which the Governor has met with top business leaders and senior government officials in Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

President Uribe and Governor Crist discussed the importance of increased trade between Florida and Colombia, particularly the importation of flowers to Florida. President Uribe shared with Governor Crist Colombia’s commitment to exploring alternative energy sources and his commitment to reserving Columbian land for the production of biofuels.

“Florida has the potential to be a leader in the production and use of biofuels such as ethanol,” Governor Crist said. “During this trade mission, we have gained knowledge and insight into how we can build partnerships that will allow Florida to meet that potential.”

The leaders also discussed the challenges of Colombia’s drug problem and the need to stem the flow of illegal drugs into Florida. President Uribe invited Governor Crist to attend an anti-drug summit to be held in Colombia next June.

President Uribe expressed his gratitude to the United States for the continued support of Colombia and asked the Governor to express his gratitude to President George W. Bush and all Americans.

Coordinated by Enterprise Florida Inc., Governor Crist’s trade mission to South America has focused on economic development and increased exports and investment in agriculture, aviation and accessories, biofuels, computer software, IT hardware, medical equipment, and telecommunications, among others. The Team Florida delegation of more than 200 business and government leaders participated in a variety of business development events and trade presentations during the mission, including one-on-one business meetings between Brazilian and Florida companies.