The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, arrived this Friday at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas to meet with the president in charge of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, in a meeting focused on border security and bilateral cooperation. The meeting, which is part of the Colombia-Venezuela Presidential Meeting, seeks to advance joint mechanisms of territorial control and coordination in the face of the challenges that affect the extensive common border of more than 2,200 kilometers.
First modification: 04/24/2026 - 20:04 Last modification: 04/24/2026 - 23:51
The main focus of the meeting revolves around the situation on the border, one of the most dynamic and complex in Latin America. In this region, legal economic activities—with annual trade estimated at billions of dollars—consist with persistent problems such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and the presence of illegal armed groups.
These actors include guerrilla organizations such as the National Liberation Army, as well as criminal networks dedicated to drug trafficking and other illicit economies. Security coordination has become a priority for both governments, which seek to reduce violence and stabilize the area.
According to official sources, the agenda includes private and expanded meetings between delegations, with the aim of defining joint actions and consolidating institutional commitments. In addition, the signing of the final act of the III Neighborhood and Integration Commission is scheduled.
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Beyond security, the relationship between Colombia and Venezuela is marked by strong historical, cultural and human ties. Millions of citizens share family ties on both sides of the border, while nearly three million Venezuelan migrants have settled in Colombia in the last decade.
This context makes bilateral cooperation a key element not only for regional stability, but also for the management of migratory flows and the economic development of border areas.
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A meeting marked by political changes in Venezuela and pressure from the US.
The meeting takes on special relevance as it is the first meeting between Petro and Rodríguez since she assumed power after the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January, in a US military operation that altered the political balance in the country.
Since coming to power, Rodríguez has sought to reposition Venezuela on the international stage, promoting diplomatic contacts and promoting openness to investments in strategic sectors such as oil and mining.
This rapprochement occurs in a context of internal transition and strong external pressure, especially from Washington, which maintains sanctions on the country although it has shown signs of pragmatism in its relationship with the new leadership.
Both Bogotá and Caracas face a complex relationship with US President Donald Trump. The US administration has insisted on demanding greater results in the fight against drug trafficking, a key issue on the bilateral agenda with Colombia.
Petro, for his part, has defended his government's progress in drug seizures, while maintaining public differences with Washington. However, both leaders have shown a willingness to dialogue in recent meetings.
In the Venezuelan case, Rodríguez has intensified contacts with international actors and has reiterated his request for the lifting of sanctions, arguing that current restrictions limit economic recovery and the arrival of investments.
Read alsoPetro announces that his meeting with Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas will focus on border security
From cancellation to meeting in Caracas
The meeting between Petro and Rodríguez was initially scheduled for March 13 in the border area, but was canceled for security reasons. The Colombian president himself later confirmed his decision to travel to Caracas to hold the meeting.
The visit also continues previous contacts between both governments, including those carried out at the ministerial level in areas such as defense, foreign relations, trade and energy.
The meeting in Miraflores is emerging as an attempt to consolidate a pragmatic agenda between two countries that, despite historical tensions and recent political changes, share structural challenges.
The ability of both governments to translate commitments into concrete actions will be key to evaluating the real impact of this meeting, especially in a regional context conditioned by security, migration and the influence of external actors.
Read alsoThe presidents of Colombia and Venezuela hope to meet in Caracas
With Reuters and EFE
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