Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who will soon host events in Bogota, has taken a step that caught political observers off guard. He announced a forthcoming meeting focused on the Venezuelan question, with participation from representatives of the European Union and Latin American nations, as well as the United States. The disclosure came four days after a trip to Caracas, during which Petro met with Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro. The very idea of Maduro’s participation remains subject to confirmation, but the president suggested it cannot be ruled out and could be within the realm of possibility.
The Bogota gathering aims to establish a channel for direct dialogue with the Venezuelan opposition at a moment when negotiations to manage the internal crisis appear stalled. Miraflores Palace in Caracas has signaled it will not engage with the anti-Maduro camp in Mexico unless the United States lifts economic sanctions, a move Washington has claimed has contributed to Venezuela’s economic decline.
Petro stated that he would convene an international conference in Colombia to outline a roadmap that enables a meaningful political dialogue between society and the Venezuelan government. This was echoed in a tweet from Petro: “I will hold an international conference in Colombia to create the roadmap that allows for effective political dialogue between society and the Venezuelan government.”
In Washington, both the government and opposition insist on clear signs of transparency ahead of next year’s presidential elections, arguing that no candidate should be barred from running. Former MP Juan Guaidó has reminded audiences that there is an internationally supported negotiation facilitated by the Norwegians, but what remains missing is Maduro’s political will to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps that would advance progress. The tone in Caracas, however, emphasizes a broader push for normalized relations and the initial steps toward a new phase in regional cooperation. The aim is to reestablish commercial ties that have been disrupted since Petro’s ascent to the presidency. Since taking office, Petro has visited Caracas several times, signaling a willingness to engage with Maduro amid a larger regional effort to redefine relations with Venezuela. Venezuela, for its part, is positioned as a key partner in broader negotiations with Colombia. The National Liberation Army (ELN), which has operated since 1964 near the Colombian border, remains a factor in the security landscape, underscoring the delicate balance between diplomacy and long-standing insurgent dynamics on this shared frontier.
These developments reflect a broader strategy to stabilize the border region and address the humanitarian and economic challenges that have affected both nations. Analysts note that the push for dialogue seeks to reduce political polarization within Colombia and create space for a constructive, internationally supported process that could influence electoral dynamics and governance in both countries. The initiative also highlights the evolving role of international actors in mediating regional conflicts and supporting efforts to return to a more predictable economic and political trajectory. Observers caution that success depends on sustained political will, credible promises of transparency, and a clear framework that can withstand domestic pressures on both sides of the border. The discussion around ELN holds particular significance, as any durable settlement would need to address security concerns and the broader reforms that regional leaders have long demanded. The coming weeks are likely to bring clarifications about participant lists, agenda items, and the concrete steps that such dialogues would entail, setting the stage for a potential new era in Colombia-Venezuela relations and regional diplomacy. The path forward remains uncertain, but the emphasis is on practical steps, accountability, and international collaboration to navigate a complex, volatile landscape with lasting consequences for the stability and prosperity of both nations. (Cited from Reuters and regional briefings)