BOGOTA, Colombia

During his participation in the G20 leader’s summit in Brazil, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to end the ongoing war.

“Peace begins with direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, without intermediaries,” Petro said.

“A meeting between the Slavic peoples of the world, who share a common history and language, is essential. Any absence, whether of Ukraine or Russia, at a peace conference would make that conference not one of peace, but of war," he added.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry expressed its concern about the latest decisions related to the use of long-range missiles in Russian territory, the use of mercenaries for ground combat and the deployment of foreign troops, such as North Korean soldiers, in support of Russia.

“Colombia considers that these measures unnecessarily increase regional tensions, imply an escalation of the conflict with unforeseeable consequences and, therefore, represent a serious risk to world peace,” a ministry statement said.

During his participation in the G20 in Rio de Janeiro, Petro asked the G20 nations not to support the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The Colombian president also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and asked him not to reinstate the visa requirement for Colombian citizens who can enter the UK without a visa.

The request arises in light of the review of the UK’s immigration policy, motivated by an increase in asylum applications from citizens from Colombia.

The presidents of Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile also met to discuss regional integration strategies and strengthen a joint agenda for the region.​​​​​​​