Trump hails White House talks with 'terrific' Petro, after months of trading barbs

February 3, 2026

Following months of heated public exchanges and insults, US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro met for approximately two hours in what turned out to be a surprisingly cordial discussion. The leaders explored cooperation on exporting Venezuelan gas through Colombia and collaborating on counter-narcotics efforts in the region, with both describing the meeting in positive terms despite their vastly different policy approaches. Trump praised Petro as "terrific" and indicated he would work to lift sanctions previously imposed on the Colombian leader, while Petro characterized the discussion as "optimistic" and "constructive.

Who is affected

US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro
Colombian government officials and authorities
The populations of Colombia, the United States, and Venezuela
Drug trafficking organizations and kingpins targeted by counter-narcotics efforts
The ELN rebel group in Colombia
Ecuador (involved in trade disputes with Colombia)
Senior drug traffickers living in the UAE, Europe, and the US

What action is being taken

Trump is working on lifting US sanctions imposed on Petro
The two countries are discussing cooperation on combating drug trafficking and targeting the ELN rebel group
Colombian officials are presenting concrete details demonstrating their counter-narcotics efforts, including cocaine and drug lab seizures
The leaders are exploring possibilities for exporting Venezuelan gas through Colombia

Why it matters

This meeting represents a significant diplomatic shift from what could have been a confrontational encounter to a productive dialogue between two nations with critical shared interests in Latin America. The cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts is particularly important as drug trafficking remains a major security concern affecting both countries, and the potential collaboration on Venezuelan energy exports could have regional economic implications. The willingness of both leaders to find common ground despite their ideological differences and previous public hostility demonstrates pragmatic diplomacy that could stabilize US-Colombia relations and enhance regional security cooperation.

What's next

Trump agreed to mediate in Colombia's trade war with Ecuador
The US and Colombia plan to work together to locate and capture senior drug traffickers living abroad in locations including the UAE, Europe, and the US
Discussions will continue regarding Venezuela's potential cooperation with Colombia and the US to export oil and gas

Read full article from source: BBC