2016 Nobel Prize winner @JuanManSantos welcomed by the audience at the @lseideas event in London https://t.co/H6STUu6j6L #LSEColombia pic.twitter.com/Drw6nEIZpV
— Sputnik UK (@SputnikNewsUK) 2 ноября 2016 г.
Santos was welcomed with a warm reception by an audience of students and special guests. The president started by acknowledging the sense of fond nostalgia he felt returning to the university not only as an alumnus, but also a proud father whose daughter is also due to graduate from the same institution.
Great to see @LSEalumni and @NobelPrize winner @JuanManSantos back at LSE for #LSEColombia 🇨🇴🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/5Y9edoKgva
— LSE Alumni (@LSEalumni) 2 ноября 2016 г.
Almost a month after Colombians voted to reject the peace agreement that would have put an end to one of the longest civil conflicts in the country, President Santos spoke about his feelings immediately after the result:
"As a Democrat, I accepted the voice of our nation,” he told the audience. “And in hindsight I feel that it may have even been a blessing in disguise. If a 'Yes' vote was to occur with such a divided margin then the whole of Colombia would have been up in flames!"
Santos acknowledged the challenges ahead to begin a process of healing divisions in the country that the recent referendum vote highlighted.
"We have opened up a national dialogue in my country and we are committed to improving on what we have built so far in order to re-negotiate a peace agreement that fits the needs of the country. And we will also continue to seek opportunities outside of the adversity that is present in Colombia." he said.
President Santos thanked the generosity of the international community for supporting Colombia in achieving that aim.
He described the conflict in Colombia as a “handbrake” that has restricted progress in all areas of society. He mentioned areas in which the country could thrive on a global platform post-conflict, such as in international business, biotech, infrastructure and logistics, and by diversifying the economy he believes much can be achieved in the future.
"But the first step still remains for us to build confidence with the people of Colombia and ratify the peace agreement through the process of public dialogue," he said.
The president acknowledged the vital long-standing partnership with the UK government spanning across economic interests, science and technological collaborations, as well as the importance of working together to help resolve the severe corruption issues that have been rife in Colombian society. Tackling environmental issues and climate change were also noted as crucial facets of the UK-Colombia relationship.
Protester demonstrates outside the #LSE ahead of the @lseideas event hosting Colombian president @JuanManSantos https://t.co/vy545JwTfG pic.twitter.com/EfzpJvdOiC
— Sputnik UK (@SputnikNewsUK) 2 ноября 2016 г.
Colombia has been left with an air of great uncertainty post-plebiscite. Despite reassurances in the country from President Santos and Farc leader Timochenko that both parties would remain committed to achieving lasting peace, the missing link according to some audience members was still very much the right-wing paramilitaries, who have been entirely absent from discussions.
Combating issues such as drug trafficking and violent crime in the country was also an area one member of the audience questioned as being achievable as part of the president’s process of combating poverty.
"I want a united Colombia and I am confident that we will bring to a close 52 years of conflict. Peace in Colombia will finally be a reality I promise!" President Santos told the audience.
President Santos, 'peace should always be the highest aspiration for any society'. #LSEColombia #LSEIDEAS pic.twitter.com/NI5ZeYrs5b
— Craig Andrew Smith (@Craig210590) 2 ноября 2016 г.
The Colombian president received a standing ovation after his lecture. His vision for the future of his country came across as sincere, and very optimistic.
President Santos also added some light-hearted humor to the lecture when asked about his favorite memories of studying at LSE:
"I fondly remember my beautiful girlfriend when I was studying in London!" he remarked.
