Colombia

During a televised meeting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro argued that cocaine is "no worse than whiskey" and would be easily dismantled if legalized worldwide, sparking tensions with the US amid record coca production and disputes over drug policy

After tensions over Colombia’s refusal to accept deportation flights, President Petro agreed to US terms, allowing 201 deportees to return, easing threats of mutual tariffs, which had alarmed Colombian exporters reliant on the US

Colombia has suspended peace talks with the ELN guerrilla group after violent clashes in Catatumbo, citing war crimes and lack of commitment to peace, marking the second suspension since talks began in 2022

Colombia set a record in 2024 with 6,2 million international visitors, surpassing projections and highlighting its appeal as a top Latin American destination, driven by its culture, natural beauty and also sustainable tourism efforts

A humpback whale completed an extraordinary 13.000 km migration from Colombia to Zanzibar, Tanzania; one of the longest ever recorded, it is possibly driven by climate change or breeding behavior shifts

Colombia melted over 23.000 illegal weapons, including rifles and grenades, into construction materials like steel and rebar to build homes, schools, and bridges, marking a symbolic step toward peace despite ongoing conflicts with armed groups

Numerous computers have been delivered to the Necoclí local schools, therefore bringing high-speed internet to this area and benefiting over 45.530 people

Colombia has approved the export of surplus energy to Ecuador, which is facing a supply crisis, following a recovery in the country's reservoir levels due to recent rains; the exports are expected to be in two weeks

Collaboration with Ecuador against human trafficking has strengthened; officials from over 20 institutions in both countries updated their joint action plan to enhance prevention, investigation and support for trafficking victims in the border region

At the UN Biodiversity Conference COP16, the Colombian Catholic Church formally expressed its support for biodiversity protection, aligning fully with the government's stance on this issue

Colombia was elected for the first time as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, receiving 175 votes, marking a historic milestone that allows the country to promote key issues like ethnic rights, environmental protection and drug policy