U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos to the White House.Santos is seeking Trump’s support for the FARC peace deal.The Obama administration promised up to $450 million dollars in foreign aid. And Santos hopes Trump will fulfill it.

CGTN’s Michelle Begue filed this report.

Colombian President Juan Manuel had a mission with his visit to the United States: To obtain support from President Donald Trump for his peace agreement with FARC rebels.

While Donald Trump congratulated Santos on a job well done securing peace, other issues made headlines. Top among them, the deteriorating situation in neighboring Venezuela.

In an earlier meeting Thursday with President Santos, U.S. senators discussed military aid for Colombia in light of the unstable situation in Venezuela.

At the White House press conference, President Santos was asked by a reporter whether he supported a wall between the U.S. and Mexico as a strategy to stop the flow of drugs. He didn’t answer directly – as Trump pointed out.

“That was a long and very diplomatic answer to your question, I will say it a little bit shorter, Walls work, just ask Israel,” Trump said.

Back at home, some Colombians say U.S. support is needed now more than ever. As FARC rebels relinquish control of coca growing territories, there are reports criminal organizations are rushing in to fill the void.

According to a new Colombian government report, the country has seen a surge in coca cultivation.

While Colombia’s peace agreement did not take top billing at the White House Thursday, approval of the treaty has come in the form of aid. Earlier this month, the U.S. formally approved $450 million in aid promised to Colombia last year by former President Barack Obama.