Colombian President Gustavo Petro is heading to Washington for a high-stakes trip to meet US President Donald Trump, the first in-person meeting between the two after months of escalating tensions and angry rhetoric.
Venezuela, drug trafficking, oil, security and US strikes on alleged drug vessels will be high on the agenda when they meet at the White House on Tuesday.
While the two men were cordial in a phone call after the 3 January US military operation to seize Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro, Petro has since voiced concerns about a real threat of military action against Colombia.
Trump has previously indicated military operations could be warranted in Colombia, creating a contentious backdrop for their meeting.
The meeting follows months of tension, during which Petro criticized US strikes on alleged drug boats and questioned US immigration policies. In an interview, he compared US ICE agents to Nazi brigades and accused the US of imperialism.
As both leaders navigate these sensitive topics, the potential for conflict remains high, yet so does the opportunity to build a meaningful partnership. Colombian officials expect a cooperative conversation focusing on stabilizing the border and addressing mutual security concerns.
With narcotics trafficking at the forefront, Trump has called out Colombia's efforts, threatening to escalate military action if drug flows to the US do not decrease. Conversely, Petro aims to leverage this meeting to demonstrate Colombia's commitment to counter-narcotics operations in light of skepticism from the US administration.
Regardless of the potential challenges, both governments appear keen to find common ground, particularly as Colombia approaches its electoral cycle.
