Chávez already sent two infantry brigade near borders and air forces to stop any possible FARC activities on Venezuelan territory. The two also expressed optimism that their first meeting would produce positive results. A large factor in the reconciliation was collapsing trade between the neighbouring countries' economies. The New York Times also cited a former U.S. ambassador to Colombia saying that both men were likely to be in power in their nations for much of the coming decade, "so it would be in both of their interests to learn to get along." See also Colombia–Venezuela relations 2008 Andean diplomatic crisis References Colombia–Venezuela relations Colombia-Venezuela diplomatic crisis Colombia-Venezuela diplomatic crisis