Trump says Colombia’s Petro to visit US, in abrupt switch from threats to diplomacy
Just days ago, Trump had issued a warning to the South American leader for criticising the US attack that removed Venezuela’s Maduro
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist his administration has long belittled, will visit the White House next month as he voiced optimism for ties.
Trump just days ago had threatened Petro in the wake of the US attack that removed Venezuela’s leader, but Trump appeared to have a change of heart after the two spoke by telephone on Wednesday.
“I look forward to having a meeting with Gustavo Petro, the President of Colombia, in the White House, during the first week of February,” Trump wrote on social media.
“I am sure it will work out very well for Colombia, and the USA, but, cocaine and other drugs must be STOPPED from coming into the United States,” Trump wrote.
Petro, the close US ally’s first left-wing president, was slapped with US sanctions in October over allegations of not cooperating with Washington against drugs.
Petro, who leaves office this year and cannot seek re-election, has been among the most vocal leaders in criticising Trump, who has responded ferociously.