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October 28, 1998 / 3:59 PM EST / AP

^PM-Clinton-Colombia, 2nd Ld-Writethru, a0586,780
^URGENT
^Clinton, Colombian president say they're united against drug traffickers
^Eds: New throughout to UPDATE with Clinton, Pastrana news conference, editing; no pickup
^AP Photo WX111
^By GEORGE GEDDA= ^Associated Press Writer=
WASHINGTON (AP) President Clinton and Colombian President Andres Pastrana today signed a joint agreement committing their nations to cooperate in combating drug trafficking and consumption.
``The fight against drugs is our joint responsibility,'' Clinton said at a Rose Garden news conference. ``It must unite us, not divide us,'' he said.
Pastrana hailed the renewed cooperation between the United States and Colombia, not only on anti-drug trafficking efforts, but also on the environment, education and economics. ``United, there is much we can achieve,'' Pastrana said.
During a joint news conference, Clinton said they also agreed to use proceeds from assets forfeited by drug traffickers to bolster Colombia counter-narcotics enforcement efforts.
In addition, he said the United States will provide $280 million in new assistance to Colombia for the fight against drugs as well as for economic development.
Earlier, Pastrana opened his state visit here by promising to seek a ``renewed partnership'' with the United States and to work toward creation of a drug-free hemisphere.
Pastrana said he will ``act now to achieve the dreams of peace to end the fear and the killing and the corruption and begin a new era of social and economic justice.''
During the South Lawn news conference, Clinton praised Pastrana for his ``courage and determination'' in efforts to end Colombia's three-decades-old civil war.
``As you embark on your mission to build an honorable and enduring peace, count on the United States as a friend and partner. Count on us, too, as you work to bring prosperity to all Colombians,'' Clinton said.
Clinton called on leftist guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups to respond to Pastrana's ``bold initiative for peace by ending terrorism, hostage-taking and support for drug traffickers.''
The ceremony, darkened by gray skies, featured a 21-gun salute and full military honors for Pastrana, who took office less than three months ago.
U.S.-Colombian relations were strained during the four-year tenure of Pastrana's predecessor, President Ernesto Samper, who was suspected of ties to Colombian narcotraffickers.
Alluding indirectly to that trying period, Pastrana said, ``I come here to inaugurate a new era of relations between Colombia and the United States.''
Pastrana had indicated beforehand that he did not wish his visit to become a drug summit but he dealt with that issue forcefully during the arrival ceremony.
He said narcotraffickers will be ceded no territory or sanctuary under his presidency. But suggesting that he gives first priority to reaching a peace agreement with them, he said, ``Te only peace treaty acceptable to me and the Colombian nation is one that strengthens our ability to rid Colombia of cocaine production.''
Clinton said, ``We will work together to combat illegal drugs. We have worked together, but we must do more for both our peoples have suffered greatly from the drug trade and its brutality.
``The battle against drugs is a common battle. It must unite our people, not divide them.''
After a morning of ceremony and official talks and a State Department luncheon hosted by Vice President Al Gore, Pastrana will be Clinton's guest at a state dinner tonight.
Pastrana, who arrived here Tuesday, met with Clinton a few days before his inauguration two months ago and said, ``The years of mistrust are behind us.''
Besides his meetings with U.S. officials, Pastrana also has appointments with top officials at the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Colombia is the world's leading source of cocaine, and that issue is high on the agenda for U.S. officials as Pastrana makes the rounds here over the next three days. American officials are expected to ask him about a fungus being tested by U.S. scientists that is touted by advocates as an environmentally safe way to eradicate narcotics plants.
They see it as potentially a major breakthrough in the war on drugs. They also acknowledge that Colombia will show little interest unless viable alternatives can be found for the country's coca farmers.
Colombia is one of the hemisphere's most deeply troubled countries. More than 1 million Colombians have been driven from their homes the fourth-highest total of any country as a result of a conflict that involves the armed forces, leftist guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups.
Upwards of 10,000 insurgents operate full time often in cooperation with drug traffickers.