Argentina and Colombia Take Concrete Steps to Mend Relations
BUENOS AIRES — In the aftermath of far-right Argentine leader Javier Milei’s controversial comments about Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Argentina and Colombia have made significant progress in improving their strained relationship.
According to a joint statement released on Sunday, the two nations’ foreign ministries have engaged in discussions at the behest of Milei and President Petro, with a focus on overcoming differences and strengthening ties.
One of the key measures taken includes the mutual return of ambassadors, following Colombia’s decision to expel all Argentine diplomats from Bogota last week in response to Milei’s remarks on CNN.
Milei had referred to Petro as a “terrorist murderer” during the interview, citing the Colombian leader’s past as a guerrilla member before assuming the presidency in 2022.
This is not the first time tensions have escalated between the two countries, as Colombia had previously recalled its ambassador to Argentina in January due to similar comments made by Milei.
Known for his outspoken nature, Milei has been at odds with various regional leaders since taking office, advocating for bold economic reforms.
During his recent CNN interview, Milei also criticized Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, labeling him as “ignorant.”
López Obrador had previously criticized Milei’s policies and likened him to a dictator, prompting a retaliatory response on social media questioning Argentina’s choice of leadership.
Meanwhile, Argentina has accused Venezuela of cutting off electricity to its embassy in Caracas following a meeting with opposition leaders, escalating tensions between the two countries.
These recent developments come amid a backdrop of strained relations between Buenos Aires and Caracas, with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro previously denouncing Milei’s election victory as a triumph of the “neo-Nazi extreme right” in Argentina. — CNN
