1. Tracking shot of Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe walking to podium for news conference 2. Colombia's Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez and Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinoza signing documents 3. Close up of Bermudez signing 4. Bermudez exchanging books with Espinoza 5. Cutaway camera 6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico: "Following Mexican principles of foreign policy and on the basis of the friendship and close ties we have with the Colombians, we respect the decision any country takes to protect its sovereignty and the security of its citizens." 7. Wide of news conference 8. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico: "I also have to say that I met this week with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper and with the President of the United States Barack Obama, and President Obama gave an explanation in the North American summit which we attended and he was very emphatic in pointing out - contrary to what is thought - that there isn't any will from the United States to install new military bases, as it has been reported by the international media, and that what they have is an agreement with Colombia that dates back long ago and that it is reviewed and updated periodically according to the needs both countries have regarding security." 9. Mexican delegates attending news conference 10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Alvaro Uribe, President of Colombia: "First of all I want to express our admiration to you and your country. We all know the attacks against your life that criminals have planned and we admire the great determination and your heroism to face them. It is a great example Mr. President." 11. Zoom in to Calderon walking on red carpet surrounded by guards of honour 12. Soldier placing floral arrangement with President Calderon STORYLINE: Mexican President Felipe Calderon spoke during an official visit in Bogota on Thursday and backed his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe on a plan to increase US military presence in his country. "We respect the decision any country takes to protect its sovereignty and the security of its citizens," said Calderon. The comments were made during a news conference at the presidential palace. South American presidents have expressed deep concerns over the United States' plan to increase its military presence in Colombia. The unease reflects the region's deep-seated suspicion of US motives based on a long history of intervention and meddling. The proposed military base treaty has been questioned since it was revealed a few weeks ago, with the strongest attacks coming from some of Colombia's neighbours, whose leftist governments are in ideological conflict with its conservative administration. Under the proposed treaty US forces would have access to seven military bases, including the air base of Palanquero on the Magdalena river, 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of Bogota. The accord would not authorise the US military to use force in Colombia, and all its activities would have to be approved by the host government, officials have said. The Colombians also say there would be no more than 1,400 American personnel and contractors in the country. About 600 US military personnel already work in Colombia and advisers have trained thousands of Colombian troops since 2000. Alvaro Uribe's government has defended the negotiations as vital in the fight against drug trafficking and guerrillas. During Thursday's news conference, Calderon said that US President Barack Obama had made assurances at a recent North American summit that the US would not seek to install new military bases in the country. Mexico maintains close political and economic ties with Colombia. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/76e4b51844e5cf8e7e9503f23730e9d0 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 23 Jul 2015
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