Colombian President Gustavo Petro is heading to Washington for a high-stakes trip to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, marking the first in-person meeting following months of escalating tensions and confrontational rhetoric.
The talks will focus on critical issues such as Venezuela, drug trafficking, oil, and U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug vessels, with discussions set for Tuesday at the White House.
Petro has voiced concerns over a potential military threat against Colombia following a U.S. operation that aimed to seize Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed interest in military operations in Colombia, stating that such action sounds good.\
Last year, the leaders shared heated exchanges, with Petro condemning ongoing U.S. strikes against alleged drug vessels and criticized strict U.S. immigration policies. Notably, he previously compared U.S. immigration enforcement to Nazi brigades and accused the U.S. of imperialistic behavior.
A surprising shift followed a recent cordial phone call, prompting analysts to speculate about a more cooperative relationship going forward. Diplomatic sources indicate that U.S. Senator Rand Paul played a key role in facilitating this conversation, emphasizing a desire for improved relations.
Discussions will likely address Colombia’s security concerns regarding the ELN guerrilla group, which operates along the border with Venezuela and plays a significant role in drug trafficking and violence.
Colombian officials view this meeting as an opportunity to reshape U.S. perceptions of their counter-narcotics strategies amidst accusations of failing to control drug trafficking.
Despite the potential for confrontation, analysts suggest that either outcome from the meeting could benefit Petro politically, impacting the upcoming elections as Colombia prepares for a change in leadership.
