President Donald Trump said on January 7 (US time) that he had invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after making threats against the leader related to drug trafficking allegations. The information was announced by Mr. Trump after the first phone call between the two sides since he took office.
According to Mr. Trump, the call took place after previous harsh statements. He once warned Mr. Petro "be careful" after US forces launched an operation in Venezuela.
Mr. Trump said Mr. Petro called to explain the drug situation and existing disagreements between the two countries, and also expressed an attitude that Mr. Trump assessed as positive.
In a message posted on the Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump said he appreciated the call and the tone of the Colombian President, affirming his desire to meet Mr. Petro "in the near future" at the White House. There is no specific time for this meeting yet.
In a previous statement to reporters on Air Force One, Mr. Trump accused Mr. Petro of being involved in drug trafficking without providing evidence, and imposed financial sanctions on the Colombian leader and his family.
When asked about the possibility of similar military intervention in Venezuela against Colombia, Mr. Trump replied that it was a "soundingly good" option.
In response, President Gustavo Petro declared his readiness to "take up arms" against threats. He also called for protests across Colombia to protest Mr. Trump's position. However, after a 1-hour phone call, Mr. Petro said he had softened his tone and expressed his desire for the two countries to re-establish a direct communication channel between the foreign ministers and the president.
Colombian Deputy Foreign Minister Mauricio Jaramillo warned that the US attack on Venezuela could cause a "disaster" spreading throughout Latin America. However, Mr. Petro affirmed that he still plans to attend the meeting at the White House, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in the context that Colombia and the US have a long history of military and economic cooperation.
