Petro proposes to the U.S. in Cuba that a 'dialogue between civilizations' be established

Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Havana with a message of solidarity for Cuba, urging the international community and the United States to foster a "dialogue between civilizations." Petro stated his visit aimed to prevent further aggression against the island nation.

Speaking to Cuban media after meeting with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Petro proposed that the U.S. engage in dialogue, suggesting it as an alternative to potential conflict. He specifically addressed the U.S. government, including figures like Senator Marco Rubio and former President Donald Trump, advocating for a dialogue that recognizes the equality of different civilizations.

Petro framed this proposed dialogue as a potential bridge for global unity amidst diversity, emphasizing life and freedom. He suggested that such a dialogue could even occur between geographically close yet politically distant entities, like the U.S. state of Florida and Cuba. The Colombian president also extended this call for dialogue to address critical global issues, such as the situation in the Middle East, which he warned could foreshadow a worldwide holocaust.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed Petro's visit, expressing gratitude for Colombia's "profound solidarity and firm support" against U.S. threats, economic blockade, and energy encirclement. Díaz-Canel reiterated Cuba's commitment to peace in Colombia. Petro's visit is part of his final official trips as president, and it follows previous visits to the island for peace negotiations and international summits.