Overview
- The presidents spoke by phone on Jan. 7 in their first direct contact, a call both sides described as cordial and respectful.
- Trump said Petro called to explain the drug situation and other disagreements, and both agreed to meet at the White House with details still to be set.
- Arrangements for the meeting are being coordinated between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia’s foreign minister, according to Trump.
- The outreach followed days of sharp rhetoric in which Trump threatened possible military action and accused Petro of links to cocaine trafficking, allegations Petro rejects.
- Key disputes remain unresolved, including U.S. sanctions imposed on Petro in October and an ongoing U.S. campaign of strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels.