President Gustavo Petro has begun a tour of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to strengthen Colombia's commercial ties. The trip aims to diversify alliances beyond the United States and Europe, with a return scheduled for November 4. During his absence, Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo will assume presidential duties.
President Gustavo Petro arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the first stop on his Middle East tour, aiming to strengthen commercial relations and open new markets beyond the traditional axis with the United States and Europe. In the Saudi capital, he will participate in an international panel and attend a state dinner offered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He will then travel to Qatar for meetings with high-level representatives, focused on advancing trade and energy transition agreements. Qatar holds additional relevance as a mediator in initial talks between the Colombian government and the Clan del Golfo, started in Doha under Qatari diplomats' supervision, aimed at demobilizing the armed structure.
Petro had shown interest in Middle East approaches since early this year, following his participation in the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The tour highlights efforts to diversify Colombia's economy amid global energy and trade transitions.