The US and Colombia have recalled their top diplomats amidst the rising tension between the two countries.
The US announced it was recalling Chargé d’Affaires John McNamara from Bogotá for “urgent consultations.” This follows what the US described as “baseless and reprehensible statements” from the highest levels of the Colombian government. No specific remarks were cited, but officials hinted at broader dissatisfaction with the current state of relations.
In response, Colombian President Petro recalled his ambassador to the US, stating that the move is to reassess bilateral priorities including climate cooperation, migration, and counter-narcotics policy.
The diplomatic fallout comes amid a backdrop of increasing friction. Last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the shooting of opposition Senator Miguel Uribe in Bogotá. Rubio attributed the attack to the “violent leftist rhetoric” from Colombia’s top leadership.
The two countries have also sparred earlier this year over Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights, prompting President Trump to threaten tariffs and sanctions. However, this confrontation was later defused.
Despite current tensions, the relationship remains economically significant. The US is Colombia’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching $33.8 billion in 2023 under a long-standing free trade agreement.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: The article has reference to open sources including Reuters and Al Jazeera.
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