Trump and Petro: A Diplomatic Tightrope in US-Colombia Relations

U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to meet Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro amidst tense diplomatic relations. The meeting aims to address regional security and combat drug trafficking, despite recent military threats and sanctions against Petro. Both leaders' unpredictable natures add uncertainty to the high-stakes discussion.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House, aiming to discuss regional security and counternarcotics cooperation. This comes in the wake of Trump's military threats against Colombia and accusations of drug trafficking involving Petro's administration.

The diplomatic relationship between the two countries has historically been strong, with the U.S. supporting Colombia against drug trafficking and rebel groups. However, recent tensions arose from U.S. military actions in the region and sanctions imposed on Petro and his family by the Trump administration.

The meeting's outcome is uncertain, given the differences in ideology and the unpredictable nature of both leaders. Petro has criticized Trump, calling him an "accomplice to genocide" in Gaza, while Trump threatened further action after a high-profile operation targeting Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro.

(With inputs from agencies.)