Petro proposed a border meeting with Noboa as tariffs and security accusations strain Colombia-Ecuador relations.
Tariffs and security accusations escalate tensions between Colombia and Ecuador
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday called on his Ecuadorian counterpart, Daniel Noboa, to meet at their shared border, following accusations from Quito that Bogotá was promoting a guerrilla incursion into Ecuador.
Petro issued the proposal on his official X account in response to Noboa’s remarks. “Go to the northern border and meet me there and we will build peace in those territories, stop believing lies,” Petro wrote.
In the message referenced by Petro, Noboa said that “various sources” had informed him of “an incursion across the northern border by Colombian guerrillas, encouraged by the Petro government.”
Text Reads: “Go to the northern border and meet me and we will build peace in those territories, stop believing lies.”
The exchange comes amid a broader deterioration in bilateral relations. Tensions intensified after Ecuador imposed tariffs on Colombian imports, initially set at 30 percent in February and progressively increased to reach 100 percent on many goods starting May 1.
Ecuador has argued that the measures are necessary to protect domestic production and has also raised concerns about Colombia’s level of cooperation on security along the 586-kilometer shared border. The area has seen the presence of dissident groups from the former FARC and drug trafficking organizations.
Colombia has rejected the tariff measures, stating they run counter to existing agreements within the Andean Community. Authorities in Bogotá have evaluated diplomatic and commercial responses, including the use of dispute resolution mechanisms and stricter import controls. Although Colombia initially responded with tariffs, it has not raised them to the same level.
The dispute has been compounded by mutual accusations on multiple issues. In recent weeks, both governments have recalled their ambassadors for consultations.
Petro’s proposal for a border meeting represents an attempt to address escalating tensions and security concerns affecting the relationship between the two countries.
Author: MK
Source: Agencies
0 Comentarios