Washington , 10 January (H.S.): United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday, that Colombian President Gustavo Petro will visit the White House next month, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two leaders despite longstanding tensions.

Trump, who has frequently criticized Petro's leftist administration, expressed optimism about the forthcoming discussions in a post on his Truth Social platform, stating, I am sure it will work out very well for Colombia, and the USA., but, cocaine and other drugs must be STOPPED from coming into the United States.

The invitation comes as the U.S. continues to grapple with illicit drug flows from South America, with Colombia remaining a primary source of cocaine production and trafficking routes northward.

Petro, a former guerrilla fighter elected in 2022 on promises of social reform and environmental protection, has faced scrutiny from the Trump administration over perceived lax enforcement against narcotics cartels.

While specific agenda items for the February meeting remain undisclosed, analysts interpret Trump's remarks as a firm precondition for enhanced bilateral cooperation, underscoring persistent U.S. demands for aggressive counternarcotics measures.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar