U.S. President Donald Trump met on Tuesday at the White House with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who had recently threatened military intervention to stop drug trafficking, LETA reports citing DPA.
The main focus of the negotiations was on cooperation in the fight against drug smuggling. At a press conference after the meeting, Trump stated that they understood each other well and spoke positively about Petro. The Colombian leader was more reserved in his statements.
Just a few weeks ago, Trump referred to Petro as a "sick man" who "likes to produce cocaine and sell it in the U.S."
Trump explained that he was initially negative because he did not know Petro well, but added that now both sides are working on an agreement aimed at reducing the flow of drugs into the U.S.
At the press conference, Petro pointed out that there are different views on the issue of drug trafficking. He explained that the Colombian government, instead of a harsh military approach to criminal organizations, wants to persuade Colombian farmers to grow legal crops—such as coffee or cocoa—instead of cocaine, as well as to combat international sponsors of drug trafficking.
"He has not changed his thinking on many issues, and I have not changed mine either," Petro said after the meeting with Trump, adding that agreements are often made between opponents who manage to find common ground.
