US President Donald Trump has stated he will meet his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro at the White House in the near future, shortly after discussing an operation targeting Colombia that he found favorable.
The context follows the recent US raid in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Authorities have reported higher casualty figures than initially reported, with over 100 fatalities stemming from the operation.
During a call, Petro informed Trump about the critical drug trade situation and other issues. Trump appreciated Petro's diplomatic approach, despite previously cautioning him to be wary. Colombia remains a major hub for the cocaine trade and has rich natural resources, including oil.
After the US's significant actions in Venezuela, which Trump described as addressing drug-related issues, Petro cautioned against military interventions, emphasizing the potential backlash from his populace.
In the wake of these developments, Trump characterized his upcoming meeting with Petro as a "Great Honor," hinting at collaboration between their administrations. This meeting comes amid sanctions imposed on Petro by the US, criticizing his administration for perceived failures in combating drug trafficking.
As both nations navigate these complex relations involving drug trafficking and military actions, the upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining collaborative strategies moving forward.
