Colombian foreign minister renounces US visa in protest against Trump administration
- Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio renounced her U.S. visa as a protest against the U.S. State Department's visa revocation of President Gustavo Petro.
- Tensions have escalated between both nations over various disputes, including drug policy and military buildup near Venezuela.
- The decision signals a shift in Colombia's diplomatic strategy as it seeks to assert its sovereignty and independence from U.S. influence.
In recent tensions between Colombia and the United States, Colombia's Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio announced her decision to renounce her U.S. visa. This action was taken in response to the U.S. State Department's controversial revocation of Colombian President Gustavo Petro's visa, which was cancelled after he participated in a pro-Palestinian protest in New York City. During this protest, President Petro called for U.S. soldiers to defy President Donald Trump's orders, labeling his actions as 'reckless and incendiary.' The revocation of Petro's visa has aggravated diplomatic relations between Colombia and the U.S., a relationship already strained by disagreements over drug policy, the war in Gaza, and U.S. military activity near Venezuela. Villavicencio's decision reflects the Colombian government's wider refusal to accept diplomatic restrictions imposed by the U.S., which they perceive as violations of their sovereignty. The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has publicly condemned the U.S. actions, stating that they will not accept visas that limit their sovereignty or opinions. In a show of solidarity, Colombian Finance Minister Germán Ávila also announced he would stop using his U.S. visa, citing the U.S.'s perceived aggression against Colombia. The escalating diplomatic rift comes at a politically significant time, with Colombian elections on the horizon. Analysts suggest that this confrontation may be a strategic move by Petro to galvanize support within his coalition ahead of upcoming elections. This widening gap between the two nations demonstrates a significant shift in Colombia's foreign policy under President Petro, who seems to be pivoting towards a more independent stance. Experts believe this could result in further deterioration of relations with the U.S., as Petro appears determined to prioritize national sovereignty over diplomatic ties, impacting future negotiations on critical issues such as drug trafficking and military cooperation.