US President Donald Trump has announced that preparations are under way for a meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House, following a phone call aimed at easing tensions between the two governments.
Trump revealed the development in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying Petro had contacted him directly to explain the differences between Washington and Bogota. “I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future,” Trump wrote, signalling a shift toward renewed diplomatic engagement.
According to Trump, coordination is already taking place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia’s foreign minister to organise the visit. The meeting is expected to be held at the White House, though no official date has yet been confirmed.
Relations between the United States and Colombia have faced strain in recent months over a range of political and policy disagreements. While neither side publicly detailed the specific issues discussed during the call, both governments have acknowledged the need to restore more direct and consistent communication.
Colombian media reported that Petro described the conversation as his first direct phone call with Trump since the American leader returned to office. Petro reportedly asked Trump to reopen formal communication channels between the two administrations, stressing the importance of dialogue between long-standing regional partners.
Colombia has traditionally been one of Washington’s closest allies in Latin America, cooperating on security, trade and anti-narcotics efforts for decades. However, differences in political approach and foreign policy priorities under Petro’s left-leaning government have led to a cooling of ties.
Diplomatic sources in Bogota said the planned meeting could help stabilise relations and clarify expectations on both sides, particularly on migration, security cooperation and economic ties. Analysts say the move suggests both leaders recognise the risks of prolonged distance between the two governments.
Trump’s decision to publicly welcome Petro’s outreach was viewed by observers as an attempt to project openness to dialogue while maintaining a firm negotiating position. For Petro, the call offered an opportunity to reassert Colombia’s role as a key regional partner and to reduce uncertainty surrounding bilateral relations.
Neither government has confirmed whether concrete agreements are expected from the meeting, though officials indicated it would serve as a starting point for rebuilding trust and addressing disputes through formal diplomatic channels.
The announcement comes at a time when Washington is seeking to reinforce its influence across Latin America, while Colombia continues to balance its domestic reform agenda with international partnerships.
Both sides said further details about the White House meeting will be released once scheduling arrangements are finalised.
