Colombia recalls its ambassador to Argentina after Milei's remarks about his Petro counterpart

It is a new demonstration of the outspokenness of the new Argentine president, but this time, it has diplomatic consequences. Javier Milei described his Colombian counterpart in a television interview on January 25 as a “ 

murderous communist 

,” accusing him of being “ 

sinking Colombia

 .” In response, Bogota recalled its ambassador to Argentina for consultations.

Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, January 26, 2024. AP - Natacha Pisarenko

By: RFI Follow

Advertisement

Read more

Historically, relations between Colombia and Argentina have been stable, even when the countries were governed by parties with different political positions. According to the Colombian presidency, the two countries maintained “deep ties of friendship, understanding and cooperation”. But since Javier Milei came to power in Argentina only a month and a half ago, relations have deteriorated rapidly.

Javier Milei had set the tone for the relations he intended to establish with a certain number of countries on the subcontinent during his campaign, declaring that socialists were “ 

human excrement

 ”. Comments which notably targeted the Colombian head of state, the first left-wing president of Colombia. Gustavo Petro responded, comparing his remarks to those of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and later calling Milei's victory a " 

sad moment for Latin America

 ."

This new outing by Javier Milei against Gustavo Petro has this time led to a reaction which goes beyond the framework of the verbal joust. “ 

We can think differently, but the region and the historical fraternity of our peoples must be above differences 

,” wrote the Colombian ambassador to Argentina, recalled for consultations in Bogota. Pointing out in passing that Javier Milei has already attacked Brazilian President Lula and Pope Francis.

Read alsoIn the news: Javier Milei's victory in Argentina continues to cause reactions in South America

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your inbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

Share :

Continue reading on the same themes:

  • UNITED STATES

  • Colombia

  • Javier Milei

  • Oil

  • Diplomacy