Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a direct invitation to former US President Donald Trump to visit Colombia and witness the country’s efforts in dismantling cocaine laboratories, following recent remarks by Trump threatening Colombia over its alleged role in cocaine production.

In a post on X, Petro stated that his government had destroyed 18,400 cocaine laboratories “without the use of missiles”, extending an open invitation to Trump: “Come with me, and I’ll teach you how they are destroyed.”

Petro sharply criticized Trump’s tone, warning him: “Do not threaten our sovereignty, because you will awaken the tiger… Attacking our sovereignty is a declaration of war. Do not ruin two centuries of diplomatic relations.” He also accused Trump of defamation, stating that the former US president “has already slandered” him and urging him “not to continue down this path.”

Highlighting Colombia’s contribution to combating global cocaine trafficking, Petro added: “If there is a country that has helped stop thousands of tons of cocaine from being consumed by North Americans, it is Colombia.”

The Colombian Foreign Ministry echoed Petro’s stance, expressing deep concern over Trump’s remarks. In an official statement, Bogotá rejected any external threat undermining the dignity of the Colombian people or violating the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministry called for strengthening brotherhood among Latin American nations, urging unity among regional neighbors in the face of foreign intervention.

Colombia has repeatedly warned that US actions in Latin America, under the pretext of combating drugs, aim to consolidate influence in the region.

On November 29, Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio criticized the growing US military presence in the Caribbean, arguing it is intended not to fight drug trafficking but to isolate Latin America economically and politically.

“This military presence is a pretext that ultimately aims to isolate the region, which affects trade, and now, coupled with airspace threats, leads to a certain economic deterioration,” Villavicencio told La Repubblica. She described Washington’s actions as “excessive” and “unnecessary,” linking them to broader strategic objectives tied to US-Colombia relations and regional influence. (ILKHA)