Diplomatic Dance: Trade and Tastings

Colombian and Panamanian envoys focus on free trade agreements; the new chief of protocol doesn’t forget the little folks.

By Gail Scott

Capricia Marshall and Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar at Blair House

DANCE MARATHON
What’s an ambassador to do when her country’s Free Trade Agreement has been waiting for Congressional approval for three years? Start dancing. That’s the latest clever move by Colombia’s determined Carolina Barco to make the U.S. and its leaders fall in love with Colombia in time for the worldwide celebration of its bicentennial next year.