Petro arrives in Cuba, highlights island's support for peace in Colombia

Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Cuba on Friday, potentially for one of his final trips as president, amidst U.S. energy sanctions targeting the island. Petro met with his Cuban counterpart in Havana, with the Cuban Foreign Ministry stating he would return to Bogotá on Saturday. During his visit, Petro emphasized Cuba's crucial role in facilitating peace negotiations in Colombia. He also voiced opposition to any potential conflict in the Caribbean, referencing the island's contributions to Colombian medical education and its mediation in the FARC peace process. Petro criticized the U.S. blockade against Cuba, previously calling it "genocide" and advocating for dialogue. He also contrasted current U.S. actions with Cuba's historical support for Colombia's peace efforts. Petro's administration had previously strengthened ties with Cuba, reversing the policies of his predecessor, Iván Duque, who had supported Cuba's inclusion on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. The island had previously hosted peace talks between the Colombian government and the FARC for four years. Petro's visit comes as Colombia prepares for a shift in leadership, with the incoming conservative president, Abelardo de la Espriella, having expressed intentions to break ties with Cuba, a move the Cuban government has criticized as subordinating its policy to Washington's demands. This marks Petro's third visit to Cuba as president, with previous trips in June and September 2023 for dialogue with the ELN and a G77 + China summit, respectively.

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I want to oppose a war in the Caribbean from Cuba.