BOGOTA, Colombia 

The US has turned all world economies “upside down,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Friday, warning of a looming global economic crisis.

All currencies, including the Colombian peso, have depreciated because of the US’ actions and policies, he said at an event in the northwestern Antioquia region.

“The coffers of Latin American countries are being emptied. Latin America is being plundered,” he said.

Petro underlined that the US has the ability to “destroy Latin American economies, but also help them.”

“The US is turning economies around the world upside down … they are only interested in protecting themselves without considering how their measures impact others,” he added.

Petro also called out the US for mistreating irregular migrants who risk their lives in search of a better future.

He urged all Latin American countries to work together to improve their own conditions and ensure prosperity for their people.

* Writing by Merve Berker