The Canadian government announced in February 2009 that it was adding Colombia to its list of preferred countries to receive foreign aid. This list includes 18 countries and the West Bank and Caribbean.[3] In 2016, following the negotiation of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC rebels, Canada offered $21M to "help Colombia make peace deal stick."[4] The funds are designated mainly for National Police training programs, rapid response to "local flare-ups that might threaten the peace," as well as for de-mining. With other world leaders, Global Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion travelled to Cartagena for the signing ceremony. Canada sent observers to witness the referendum, which ended with a rejection of the agreement by a majority of Colombian voters.[5]