Bush's brief Colombian visit, the third stop on a five-nation Latin American tour, took him past rioting protesters and thousands of gun-toting police to a red-carpet welcome.

"Your country has come through very difficult times and now there's a brighter day ahead," Bush said in a toast after he Uribe met and had lunch at the presidential palace. "We have been friends and we will remain friends."

Bush has indicated he will ask Congress to maintain current aid levels to Colombia at roughly $700 million annually.

Bush's renewal of support came at a key moment.

Uribe is involved in a political scandal involving allies who allegedly colluded with right-wing militias in a reign of terror that nearly subverted Colombian democracy.

And Democrats who now control the US Congress are asking tough questions about whether US aid to Colombia is effective. Colombia receives more US money than any country outside the Middle East and Afghanistan - to the tune of nearly $4 billion in mostly military aid since Uribe took office in 2002.

Colombia remains the source of more than 90 percent of the world's cocaine despite record aerial fumigation of coca crops. And the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, has neither been defeated nor had any members of its leadership captured.

Uribe is aware of the stakes. A rambling opening statement at his joint appearance with Bush seemed designed to reassure foreign audiences.

"I would like you to know, Mr. President, that our commitment is the full defeat of terrorists and the total recovery of justice and of democratic institutions," Uribe said.

Bush said Uribe is working on the release of three Americans held by rebels for more than four years in Colombia.

"I am concerned about their safety. I really am worried about their families. These are three innocent folks who have been held hostage for too long," Bush said. "Their kidnappers ought to show some heart."

About a mile away from the palace, some 2,000 protesters chanted "Down with Bush" and burned American flags.

About 150 of them broke away, attacking riot police with rocks and metal barriers and ripping down lampposts. Some 200 helmeted police in full body armor responded with water cannons and tear gas to reclaim the street.

Extraordinary security had some 20,000 police and heavily armed troops mobilized to prevent any rebel attack.

Sharpshooters were positioned on rooftops, the city center was shut down to traffic and Bogotanos had to do without their beloved "ciclovia," in which major avenues are given over on Sundays to biking, skating and jogging.

Bush and Uribe also discussed a US-Colombia free-trade agreement now stalled in Congress.

After meeting with Uribe, Bush talked with Colombians who are benefiting from various US programs.

Bush flew in to Colombia from Uruguay, and was heading to Guatemala immediately after his meetings. He also is visiting Brazil and Mexico.

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