Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump agreed on "joint actions" against guerrillas at the border with Venezuela, Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti stated on Thursday, according to LETA citing AFP.
The first phone call between the two presidents took place on Wednesday, allowing for a reduction in tension after Trump threatened a military operation against Colombia a few days ago, accusing it of smuggling cocaine into the USA.
Trump and Petro "committed to taking joint action" against the last significant leftist guerrilla group in Colombia – the National Liberation Army (ELN), Benedetti stated in an interview with Blu Radio.
Colombia accuses the ELN of attacks and kidnappings of Colombian soldiers, followed by retreats to bases in Venezuela.
According to Benedetti, Petro asked Trump to "help deliver a powerful blow to the ELN at the border" with Venezuela. He noted that it is necessary to attack the guerrillas both on Colombian territory and in their rear.
There is a 2,200-kilometer porous border between Colombia and Venezuela, where various armed groups fight for control over revenues from drug trafficking, illegal mining, and smuggling.
Petro also accepted Trump's invitation for a meeting at the White House.
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