President Gustavo Petro held a meeting with a delegation from the United States Congress headed by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno and Democratic Senator Rubén Gallego. The meeting had as its central axis the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to official information, The dialogue was structured around three strategic axesS: The impulse to mutually beneficial economic growth through the increase in trade and investment, the strengthening of cooperation in security and the development of joint actions to face drug trafficking and transnational crime.
(Read: US senators ask to strengthen ties with Colombia and take care of democracy for 2026)
According to the time, at the end of the meeting, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, delivered statements about the scope of the conversation. “It was very constructive what was done today with the American senators”, He said, highlighting the positive tone that characterized the exchange.
The official explained that, in addition to the three central axes, other issues of interest for both parties were discussed. “There was talk of migration, intelligence to combat drug trafficking, drug traffickers, something with Venezuela. There were several issues, but all in the best tone and constructively”, Said. Benedetti said he could not go into further details, but reiterated that at all the points discussed there was a favorable disposition to dialogue.
In reference to bilateral relations, the minister said that “we must erase what happened in the past and the open book remains for everyone. You must not look back, but that you have to open a new stage.”
(Read more: USA)
Gustavo Petro, president of Colombia and Bernie Moreno, US republican congressman. UU ..
Presidency
One of the issues that occupied the attention of the US delegation was political violence in Colombia, especially in the face of the electoral process that is coming in 2026. According to Benedetti, the government presented figures that would indicate a reduction in the levels of violence. “They were shown how that has happened,” he said, while assuring that there are all the guarantees for the realization of the elections.
The agenda also included aspects of bilateral trade. At this point, Benedetti mentioned the safety of vehicles in the context of imports and the purchase of Colombian coffee, an issue that takes relevance to the conditions of the Brazilian market. The minister stressed that the importance of both countries as strategic partners in commercial matters was reaffirmed.
The meeting was held in a context in which the relationship between Colombia and the United States has been marked by cooperation in various areas, but also by episodes of tension. The visit of the delegation, headed by senators of the two main US parties, It is interpreted as an effort to consolidate communication channels and find convergence points in the common agenda.
(See also: The alidized points of the meeting between President Petro and representatives of the United States.)
Government of Colombia and Delegation of Congressmen of the United States.
Presidency
The objective of the conversation axes
In the economic field, Colombia seeks to expand its participation in the US market and attract new investments that promote strategic sectors. The dialogue included the exploration of opportunities to increase exports and diversify the commercial offer, as well as the discussion on regulations and standards that facilitate the exchange of goods and services.
In terms of security, cooperation is aimed at improving information exchange mechanisms and strengthening capacities to face common threats. This includes both the fight against drug traffickers and attention to associated phenomena, such as arms trafficking and human trafficking.
The issue of drug trafficking, in a particular way, remains a central point of the bilateral agenda. The United States has repeatedly stated its interest in Colombia maintaining and reinforcing its efforts in reducing illicit crops and drug interdictionwhile the Colombian government has insisted on the need to address the problem from an integral perspective that includes economic alternatives for communities.
Although the Interior Minister avoided deepening the specific content of the agreements or commitments made, it made it clear that the meeting marked a step in the construction of mutual trust. “All points were treated in an atmosphere of respect and disposition to advance”He said.
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Diana K. Rodríguez T.
Portfolio journalist
