In a striking statement ahead of a crucial diplomatic visit, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has framed his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump as a mission to prevent a global conflict. The left-wing leader expressed his fears about escalating military tensions across South America, directly linking them to recent US actions in Venezuela.
Dialogue as a Shield Against Conflict
Speaking to CBS News, President Petro confirmed his acceptance of the invitation to Washington. He emphasised that continued dialogue between the two nations is not just beneficial but essential for regional stability. When asked about his primary objective for the summit, Petro stated unequivocally: "To stop a world war." This dramatic framing underscores the high stakes he associates with the geopolitical situation in Latin America.
Petro's concerns are deeply rooted in what he perceives as a dangerous trend of militarisation in the region. He specifically pointed to the aftermath of the US operation that led to the removal of Venezuela's President, Nicolás Maduro. Images of helicopters and missiles have heightened anxieties in Bogotá. The Colombian leader highlighted a critical vulnerability: Colombia's lack of a functional air defence system, which would leave the nation exposed if hostilities were to intensify.
Warnings of Civil War and a Call for Unity
"I'm not going to say that I'm not afraid," Petro admitted candidly during the interview. He issued a grave warning that any external attack targeting Colombia's leadership would have catastrophic domestic consequences, almost certainly plunging the country into civil war. Furthermore, he cautioned that such an event would generate intense hostility towards the United States, a scenario he labelled as "dumb policy."
Amidst this tense backdrop, Petro is actively promoting cooperation over confrontation. His strategy involves a dual-track approach: engaging with the US while also reaching out to Venezuela. On Friday, via a post on X, he publicly invited Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, to launch a joint effort against drug-trafficking groups operating across their shared 2,200-kilometre border. He stressed the need for the gangs to be "defeated by our nations in unity."
A Shared Focus on the Drug Trade
This appeal for cross-border collaboration followed a key phone conversation earlier this week between Petro and President Trump. Both leaders agreed to take "joint action" against cocaine-smuggling guerrillas, particularly along the Colombia-Venezuela frontier. Colombian officials revealed that during the call, Petro specifically requested US assistance to "strike hard" at the National Liberation Army (ELN). This rebel group, Colombia's last major insurgent force, is believed to maintain rear bases inside Venezuelan territory.
The White House meeting, now confirmed for early February, comes at a time when the Trump administration has sharpened its posture in Latin America. Following the move against Maduro, Washington has signalled an aggressive stance against drug networks. It is also working to assert control over Venezuela's oil exports and revive production through US-backed investments. President Petro's visit will test whether diplomatic channels can forge a path of partnership to address these complex, intertwined issues of security, narcotics, and regional power dynamics.
