Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 3, reaffirming their alliance against narcotrafficking. The visit included discussions on energy cooperation and mediation in regional tensions. As a symbolic gesture, Petro gifted a dress designed in Nariño to Melania Trump.
On February 3, 2026, President Gustavo Petro held a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House amid prior tensions in bilateral relations. According to Colombia's ambassador to the U.S., Daniel García-Peña, the encounter recognized Colombia as 'the best ally the United States has in the fight against narcotrafficking.' The tone was positive, with 'good chemistry' between the leaders despite their ideological differences. Petro, the first left-wing Latin American president invited by Trump, emphasized achievements in crop eradication on the border.
Key topics included energy cooperation. Ecopetrol's president, Ricardo Roa, stated that the dialogues contemplate removing Colombia from the OFAC list, known as the Clinton List, to facilitate transactions. Roa highlighted Ecopetrol's role in reactivating Venezuela's economy, including rehabilitation of electrical and oil infrastructure, and lifting sanctions on PDVSA for crude and gas exchanges. Petro noted Colombia's growing dependence on gas imports.
Trump agreed to mediate tensions with Ecuador, where a 30% tariff affects bilateral trade due to narcotrafficking accusations. On Venezuela, discussions covered intelligence and military actions to transform Catatumbo into an agroindustry zone instead of coca cultivation.
As gifts, Trump gave Petro a red cap with the slogan 'Make America Great Again,' which the Colombian president modified by adding an 'S' to read 'Make the Americas Great Again.' In return, Petro presented a dress designed by Flor Imbacuan Pantoja from Nariño, made by seven people over two months using pre-Columbian Guanga looms, involving 35 families. The garment, valued at 5 million pesos, symbolizes Nariño identity. 'This way we can show the world with all our love who we Nariñenses are to Colombia and the world,' said Imbacuan.
Afterward, Petro attended the OAS assembly, criticizing its efficiency and urging climate action, as 75% of the crisis stems from hydrocarbons.
