Five aspects of what it means for Colombia to be a main non-NATO ally of the United States,

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, announced this Thursday during his first official meeting with his Colombian counterpart, Iván Duque, his intention to designate the Latin American country as a main non-NATO ally, which implies a series of economic privileges and military.

Duque thanked Biden for the gesture and stressed that it means raising bilateral ties to their highest point in history.

The designation as a main non-NATO ally for Colombia comes at a critical moment on the international scene, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the incipient rapprochement between Washington and Caracas, which has worried Bogotá.

1. To whom is the designation granted?

According to the State Department, this designation “is a powerful symbol” of the close relationship that the US shares with certain countries and shows “deep respect” for friendship with other nations.

Once the president announces his intention to designate a country, he has 30 days to formally inform the US Congress.

2. What advantages does it bring?

Being a major non-NATO ally provides some advantages in the areas of “defense trade and security cooperation”.

Apart from military privileges, it implies other economic ones, and the beneficiary nation can receive loans of material, supplies and equipment for cooperative research and development, among others.

In addition, the designated country can serve as a location for the storage of US war reserves and agreements can be made with Washington to receive military training, under a series of conditions.

The designated country may be a priority recipient of surplus US defense material and may be allowed to purchase depleted uranium munitions.

3. Which countries are currently the US’s main non-NATO ally?

Afghanistan, ArgentinaAustralia, Bahrain, BrazilEgypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Tunisia have achieved that status so far.

Biden recently announced the designation of Qatar, and it was not until this Thursday that he notified Congress, following the usual process.

Taiwan is also treated by the US as a major non-NATO allied country, although it has not been formally designated.

4. Does the designation carry any obligation?

This designation does not carry the same obligations as those of NATO member countries, so the beneficiary nations do not have to comply with Article 5 of the Atlantic Alliance on collective defense.

5. Defense Collaboration

Apart from participating in the cooperative projects of the United States Department of Defense such as anti-terrorism programs, or access to US war material, you can obtain loans of equipment and materials for research. In addition, it gives Colombia the power to store US military elements that are part of its war reserve.(I)