Trump invites Colombian president to Washington after making threats and accusations
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump invited Colombian leader Gustavo Petro to the White House. This comes amid allegations of drug trafficking and criticism of US operations in Venezuela, AP reports.
Donald Trump sharply changed his tone toward Colombian President Gustavo Petro. After several days of accusations and tense statements, the leaders exchanged a phone call.
"It was a Great Honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro... I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future," Trump wrote on social media.
Earlier, Trump had accused Petro of producing and selling cocaine to the US and even hinted at possible military intervention.
However, after the conversation, tensions eased somewhat, and Petro confirmed that they discussed Venezuela and the issue of drug trafficking.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories… He’s not going to be doing it," Trump added in comments to reporters.
Donald Trump has made a series of sharp statements regarding Latin American countries, including Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba, hinting at possible tough US actions in combating drug trafficking and regional instability.
In response, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that he is ready to "take up arms again" to defend his country, reacting to Trump’s hints following US operations in Venezuela.
In his statement, the Colombian leader emphasized that, as commander-in-chief, he acts strictly within the Constitution and has already issued a number of strict orders in the fight against drug trafficking.
