News|Donald Trump‘A great honor’: Key takeaways from Trump’s meeting with Colombia’s PetroDespite months of clashing over US military intervention and drug trafficking, the two leaders say they shared a ‘terrific’ meeting.

On Tue, Feb 3, 2026, United States President Donald Trump met with Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House in Washington, DC. This marked their first in-person meeting, despite previous public disagreements. Both leaders described the meeting as productive, addressing key issues such as transnational drug trafficking and security in Latin America.

In a subsequent news conference, President Petro emphasized that the meeting was an interaction between equals with differing views. He highlighted the importance of dialogue between opposing perspectives for achieving agreements.

President Trump expressed satisfaction with the meeting, describing it as positive and productive. The discussions focused on collaborative approaches to addressing shared concerns, particularly in combating drug trafficking.

One primary topic of discussion was the approach to combating drug trafficking. Colombia is a significant producer of cocaine, accounting for 68% of the global supply. President Trump has advocated for a militarized approach, while President Petro favors voluntary eradication programs. Petro highlighted the success of initiatives encouraging farmers to voluntarily eradicate coca crops.

Petro emphasized that targeting top drug cartel leaders is more strategic than punishing impoverished farmers. He stated that a collaborative approach with the United States should focus on dismantling major drug operations.

The meeting represents a potential turning point in the historically tense relationship between the two leaders. Previous disagreements included issues such as deportation flights and military actions in the region. However, both leaders expressed a willingness to improve bilateral relations moving forward.

The dialogue also touched on broader geopolitical concerns, with Petro advocating for Latin American autonomy and decision-making free from external coercion. He called for sustainable energy initiatives and questioned the effectiveness of existing international security frameworks.

The meeting between Presidents Trump and Petro is a significant step in addressing longstanding issues and exploring cooperative strategies. While differences remain, particularly in approaches to drug trafficking, the dialogue signifies a move towards more constructive engagement between the United States and Colombia.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.