Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced his decision to boycott the upcoming Summit of the Americas, scheduled for December in the Dominican Republic. In a statement posted on his X account, Petro cited the exclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela from the event as the primary reason for his absence. He emphasized, ‘Dialogue does not begin with exclusions,’ underscoring his commitment to inclusive regional discourse. Additionally, Petro criticized the presence of U.S. military forces in Caribbean waters, viewing it as a contentious issue. The Colombian leader also disclosed that he had proposed a CELAC–U.S. meeting to discuss economic integration across the American continent. However, he lamented that Washington has yet to respond to this initiative or other related proposals presented to Latin American and Caribbean nations. Petro’s decision highlights growing tensions over regional diplomacy and the role of the United States in hemispheric affairs.
Colombian President declines to attend Summit of the Americas in the Dominican Republic
