Overview
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the Washington meeting for February 3 and called it decisive, saying his goal is to ensure Colombians do not suffer.
- A January 7 phone call between the leaders led to the White House invitation after a year of tensions and punitive U.S. measures.
- Petro remains under pressure from prior U.S. actions that included OFAC listings affecting him and associates as well as the cancellation of his U.S. visa.
- Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez met in Washington with lawmakers and Pentagon officials this week to present Colombia’s anti-drug results ahead of the visit.
- Colombia’s advisory commission, including former presidents, urged restraint in public messaging and rejected regional military intervention, as Petro prepares to seek revised security cooperation, address narcotrafficking and discuss joint actions against the ELN.