Following a recent phone conversation with Colombia’s president, President Trump said preparations are underway for an in-person meeting at the White House, signaling a possible reset in talks after a period of sharp public criticism.
Trump disclosed the call on Wednesday, saying Colombian President Gustavo Petro reached out to discuss ongoing tensions, including disputes related to narcotics trafficking. According to Trump, the exchange struck a constructive tone and opened the door to further dialogue in Washington.
“It was a Great Honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump said the discussion left him optimistic about next steps and confirmed that diplomatic channels are already coordinating the visit. “I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future,” the president added. “Arrangements are being made between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Foreign Minister of Colombia.
“The meeting will take place in the White House in Washington, D.C.”
The planned meeting comes against the backdrop of Trump’s longstanding and blunt accusations against Petro. Trump has previously claimed that the Colombian leader is tied to cocaine production and export operations that funnel drugs into the United States.
Those allegations were reiterated earlier this month following a Jan. 3 military operation aimed at capturing and removing Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro, after which Trump warned that Petro could face scrutiny as well.
“He has cocaine mills, he has factories where he makes cocaine. And yeah, I think I stick by my first statement: He’s making cocaine,” Trump said of Petro, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump went on to claim that drugs originating in Colombia are being trafficked northward. “They’re sending it to the United States. So he does have to watch [him]…,” the president added.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump’s latest remarks suggest that both sides are now moving toward direct engagement, with the White House meeting expected to address the disputes that have fueled tensions between Washington and Bogotá.
{Matzav.com}
