The elected president of Colombia, Gustavo Petrosaid on Tuesday that he had a very friendly conversation with the president of the United States, Joe Bidenin search of an intense and normal relationship between the two countries.
Petro, who promises ambitious social and economic changes, on Sunday became the first leftist to win the presidency of Colombia, a historically conservative country ruled by right-wing and center-right leaders.
“On the path of a more intense and normal diplomatic relationship, I have now had a very friendly conversation with President Biden of the United States,” the president wrote on his Twitter account.
In his words, a “more equal” relationship for the benefit of the two peoples,” he added.
On the way to a more intense and normal diplomatic relationship, I have now had a very friendly conversation with President Biden of the United States.
In his words, a “more equal” relationship for the benefit of both peoples.
– Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo)
June 21, 2022
The United States is the main destination for Colombian exports and its main ally in the fight against drug trafficking and the illegal armed groups involved in the production and trafficking of cocaine.
Petro, who will take office on August 7 to replace the right-wing Iván Duque, campaigned for changes in the fight against drugs and completely ruled out the resumption of aerial fumigation of coca leaf plantations – the raw material for cocaine – with the chemical glyphosate, to prioritize voluntary crop substitution plans.
The president-elect, a 62-year-old economist, proposes economic and social reforms to combat poverty, inequality and exclusion that captivated millions of poor people, although they arouse fear among businessmen and financial markets.