US President Donald Trump has stated he will meet his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro at the White House in the 'near future,' just days after commenting on an operation targeting Colombia during a call with Petro.
The announcement follows a recent US-led raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and has raised significant concerns regarding violence in the region, with reports indicating a death toll exceeding 100 people resulting from the operation.
In their discussion, Petro conveyed the complexities of drug-related issues and other disagreements to Trump, who expressed appreciation for Petro's communication style. Earlier in the week, Trump had warned Petro to be cautious, indicating the high stakes involved in their diplomatic relations.
Colombia has long been recognized as a crucial hub in the international drug trade, especially cocaine, and is also rich in natural resources, including oil and precious metals. In response to Trump's previous comments on Colombia’s drug issues, Petro warned that military action by the US could incite a strong backlash from Colombian citizens.
Trump later referred to the conversation as a 'Great Honor' and announced that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would coordinate with Petro's administration for the upcoming visit.
US sanctions imposed on Petro by the Treasury in October have further fueled tensions, as officials claim his government has not effectively managed the drug trade. Petro, however, contends that he has made strides against drug trafficking since assuming office in 2022.
In juxtaposition, Venezuelan officials, including interim president Delcy Rodríguez, labeled the US operation as a historic stain on bilateral relations, even as they expressed openness to future energy cooperation.
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