US President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet with Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro at the White House in the near future, following recent events that intensified strife in the region. The announcement comes just days after the US conducted a military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement, Trump mentioned having a call with Petro, where discussions revolved around drug trafficking and other diplomatic disagreements, noting he appreciated Petro's tone. This, however, follows a backdrop of military actions that led to a significantly higher death toll in Caracas than initially reported.
Local Venezuelan authorities stated that over 100 people perished during the raid, which has drawn international scrutiny. Following this steep violence, Petro urged caution against American military operations, asserting that Colombia would respond robustly if directly threatened.
Colombia remains a crucial player in the regional drug trade, primarily with cocaine, and has recently faced challenges regarding rising drug production levels as reported by US officials.
In light of previous sanctions imposed on Petro's administration for insufficient action against drug trafficking, this meeting may be pivotal in reshaping US-Colombia relations. As Trump also prepared to roll back restrictions on Venezuelan oil, he described his conversation with Petro as an honor, with further diplomatic engagements expected to take place. The delicate balance of U.S. foreign policy in South America hangs in the balance as these leaders navigate their partnerships amidst rising tensions.
