Latest News

Petro’s ‘Coup’ Allegations Deepen Colombia–U.S. Rift, Resolution Still Elusive

By The City Paper Staff - July 6, 2025

Colombia–U.S. relations have reached their lowest point in years after President Gustavo Petro accused U.S. lawmakers of plotting a coup. Washington recalled its top diplomat over “reprehensible” remarks, prompting Bogotá to withdraw its ambassador. Tensions mount as visa sanctions loom and key bilateral cooperation on security and narcotics hangs in balance.

Colombia’s Petro pivots to Beijing with intent to join Belt and Road

By The City Paper Staff - May 8, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans to sign a letter of intent to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative during a May visit to Beijing, signaling a major geopolitical shift that could strain ties with the U.S. and alarm business leaders as trade tariffs loom.

Petro claims ‘Dubai is the new Miami for narcos’ amid Gulf Clan attacks

By The City Paper Staff - May 6, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended his security policy amid a surge in violence that has left 27 officers dead. Downplaying fears of collapse, Petro blamed international drug networks and claimed “Dubai is the new Miami for narcos.” Critics warn his “total peace” strategy is faltering as attacks against the police escalate.

Germany and Colombia sign Migration Partnership aimed at curbing asylum claims

By The City Paper Staff - April 24, 2025

Germany and Colombia have signed a joint declaration to expand legal migration and curb irregular flows. The agreement aims to reduce asylum claims and promote labour, education, and training opportunities for Colombians, amid Germany’s push to fill skilled worker shortages.

Colombia’s Petro delivers offhand remark regarding U.S visa status

By The City Paper Staff - April 22, 2025

Colombia’s Gustavo Petro has once again stirred controversy with the United States after claiming that the Department of State may have revoked his travel visa.

New FM Laura Sarabia must reset Colombia’s image with Washington

By Richard Emblin - January 30, 2025

Colombia’s new Foreign Minister, Laura Sarabia, faces the challenge of mending strained U.S. relations after diplomatic tensions escalated over deportations and social media clashes. Amid economic and security concerns, Sarabia must restore trust and protect Colombia’s global reputation.

As Deportation Flights continue, Colombians face visa suspensions amid dispute

By The City Paper Staff - January 29, 2025

Colombia received its third deportation flight from the U.S. amid a diplomatic standoff between Petro and Trump. With the suspension of travel visas, Petro’s late-night social media postings have fueled concern over his erratic leadership style.

Petro triggers political crisis with U.S. before temporary resolution

By The City Paper Staff - January 27, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked a diplomatic crisis with the U.S. by rejecting deportee flights, prompting retaliatory tariffs and visa sanctions from President Trump. Petro ultimately relented, agreeing to U.S. demands to resume deportations under strict American conditions.

Trump snubs Colombia’s Petro for presidential inauguration

By The City Paper Staff - January 16, 2025

Trump’s inauguration is expected to draw over 200,000 attendees to Washington, D.C., with international delegations, ministers, and diplomats eager to forge ties with the new administration. Colombia’s Gustavo Petro not on the guest list.

As Trump inauguration looms, Venezuela’s political crisis tests Petro Government

By Richard Emblin - January 14, 2025

Colombia faces escalating tensions with Venezuela as former President Álvaro Uribe advocates U.N-backed military intervention. As President-elect Trump’s inauguration looms, questions about U.S. policy toward the crisis and regional diplomatic strategies under his leadership remain unclear.

Trump Names Orlando Attorney and Sheriff Dan Newlin as Ambassador to Colombia

By The City Paper Staff - December 12, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Orlando attorney and former sheriff Dan Newlin as U.S. Ambassador to Colombia. Newlin’s expertise in law enforcement and business aligns with Trump’s priorities to combat organized crime and strengthen U.S.-Colombia relations.

Colombia’s Petro threatens Visas for Britons in “Reciprocity” to the UK

By Richard Emblin - November 26, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has vowed to impose visa requirements on British citizens in response to the United Kingdom’s decision to reinstate travel visas for Colombians starting December 24, 2024.

Colombia’s Petro welcomes ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu: “A Genocidal Maniac”

By Richard Emblin - November 21, 2024

Colombian President Gustavo Petro voiced strong support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Petro labeled Netanyahu a “genocidal maniac” and warned U.S. President Joe Biden against ignoring the ruling, claiming it would lead to “barbarism.”