Media: Colombia, US prepare for Petro‑Trump meeting in Washington

Colombia and the United States have begun preparations for a high‑level meeting between President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump, Colombia’s ambassador to the United States, Daniel García‑Peña told Caracol Radio.

The session is expected to take place at the White House in the coming weeks as both capitals seek to stabilise diplomatic ties after recent tensions, Caliber.Az reports. 

The invitation for Petro to travel to Washington came directly from President Trump following a telephone conversation between the two leaders. The ambassador said the call helped ease tensions in bilateral relations and marked the start of what Bogotá hopes will be a “new chapter” in US–Colombian engagement. He added that the foreign ministries of both nations have already begun coordinating logistics for the visit, and that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with identifying a suitable date for the meeting.

Earlier, on January 8, Petro and Trump agreed to a personal meeting at the White House during a phone call,  following a recent public spat triggered by the US attack on Venezuela.

President Trump had harshly criticised Petro and even broached the possibility of military action against Colombia, while Petro condemned US military actions in Venezuela and accused the United States of violating regional sovereignty.

By Sabina Mammadli