Colombia and the USA: The Impact of Diplomatic Contacts on the Drug Problem

First Contact Between Colombia and the USA

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a meeting was held between Colombia's Ambassador to Washington Daniel Garcia Peaa, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, and the U.S. Embassy's chargé d'affaires in Bogotá John McNamara. The purpose of this meeting was to reduce the increasing diplomatic tension between the two countries and to develop new avenues for cooperation.

Emphasis on Regional Security and Drug Production

The statement noted that President Petro reiterated the national government's commitment to the program for the replacement of illegal crops. Petro emphasized the importance of this program for Colombia, while also stressing that the U.S. drug-fighting strategies must be based on real data. It was stated that reference should be made to research reports prepared by the Colombian government, which evaluate the cultivation areas of coca leaves, and that existing data needs to be corrected.

Strategic Changes in Drug Fighting

The statement also highlighted that Colombia is the government that has achieved the most success in terms of coca leaf cultivation and the seizure of drugs. It was indicated that since 2021, the rate of increase in coca cultivation areas has shown a declining trend, while there are also notable figures reflecting cocaine seizure rates: a 32% increase in 2021, a 1% decrease in 2022, a 13% increase in 2023, and a 19% increase in 2024.

Trump's Statements and Consequences

On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Colombia harshly, stating that the country's massive drug production threatens families worldwide. Trump referred to Petro as a "drug lord" and announced that financial aid to Colombia had been halted. In this context, he accused Petro of promoting drug production in his country.

Response from Petro

President Gustavo Petro responded to Trump's statements by saying, "Trump is being deceived by the groups and advisors around him". These events symbolize a new era in Colombia's fight against drugs and are seen as a stage that reshapes the relationship between the two countries.