Foreign Relations Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso and his Colombian counterpart Carolina Barco signed a joint declaration yesterday whereby both nations commit to strengthening democratic institutionalism, respect human rights and fight corruption. According to Hoy newspaper, they also agreed to fight against terrorism, drugs and to find solutions to poverty. They highlighted the need to work towards more fluid bilateral economic relations and agreed to begin a negotiation process for a trade agreement. Morales stated that the Dominican government would continue to offer visa facilities for Colombian tourists and business visitors. Barco declared that Colombia would continue to facilitate access to petroleum derivates and coal, and would contribute to electricity generation projects. Both pointed out the success achieved in technical, scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation projects between both nations.