Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos says he’s pleased President Barak Obama kept his word to Colombia to move the pending Free Trade Agreement with his country forward. In a statement released Monday, Santos called it a “mountain goal” that they have been climbing for six years but adds that it is “not the final goal.” Ultimately, Santos says, the U.S. Congress needs to ratify the free trade agreement.

In addition, Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Gabriel Silva – says the free trade agreement with his country WILL level the playing field for American businesses, workers and farmers. In a statement, Silva said, they believe the FTA will be approved and will strengthen the competitive presence of the U.S. in Colombia.

Addressing the human rights concerns, Silva says the decision also confirms – “the progress made by Colombia in protecting labor rights and in (its) fight against violence and impunity.”

President Santos says the FTA means more economic growth and jobs and fits Colombia’s national goals of “More security, more jobs, and less poverty.”

President Obama on Monday also handed the pending U.S. FTAs with Panama and Korea to the U.S. Congress.