President Bush says he is looking forward to working with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in the fight against illegal narcotics trafficking.
President Bush spoke Sunday during a news conference in Bogota - his third stop on a five-nation tour of Latin America.
President Uribe thanked Mr. Bush and the United States Congress for its support in Colombia's struggle with drug traffickers.
Mr. Bush was greeted by a military arrival ceremony, and more than a thousand demonstrators who protested his visit a kilometer and a half away in downtown Bogota.
The protesters clashed with riot police, burned American flags and vandalized downtown businesses.
After his visit to Colombia, Mr. Bush will visit Guatemala and Mexico.
Mr. Bush has declined to respond directly to comments from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is making his own regional tour and has attended anti-Bush demonstrations.
President Bush has said his administration is focused on what he calls "quiet and effective diplomacy" in Latin America aimed at improving the "human condition."