Argentina, Colombia Avoid Diplomatic Crisis Over Javier Milei Vs. Gustavo Petro Feud
The row between Argentina and Colombia has begun cooling down after that big feud between their respective presidents, Javier Milei and Gustavo Petro. The two countries are trying to make amends after Milei, a right-wing Libertarian, called Petro, a former leftist guerilla fighter, a "terrorist murderer" during an interview with CNN.
The interview led to Colombia expelling several Argentinian diplomats from the country, with Gustavo Petro firing back with barbs of his own on X, formerly Twitter, with Mexico's Andres Manuel Lopez even joining the spat when he sided with Petro.
Many thought this would lead to a massive diplomatic crisis that would affect Latin America, but as CNN noted, the two countries seem to be handling it in a very diplomatic way and even released a joint statement regarding their relationship with one another.
"The respective governments have taken concrete steps to overcome any differences and strengthen this relationship," the joint statement from the two nations' foreign ministries read. The two foreign ministers also confirmed that the talks were under the orders of their respective presidents, Milei and Petro.
"You can't expect much from someone who was a terrorist murderer," Milei told CNN in that now-infamous interview, which soon drew a response from Mexico's Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who called Milei "ignorant."
Colombia's Ambassador Returns to Argentina After Javier Milei Vs. Gustavo Petro Feud
Colombia not only expelled Argentinian diplomats from the country but also recalled its ambassador. However, soon after the row ended diplomatically, the country's ambassador to Argentina was reassigned back to Buenos Aires.
READ MORE: Argentina President Javier Milei Feuding With Mexico's AMLO and Colombia's Gustavo Petro
"The Colombian government has given instructions for Ambassador Camilo Romero to return to Buenos Aires," the joint statement between the two countries also read. Romero has not been in Argentina since Petro recalled him back in January after Milei's statements came out.
According to the Buenos Aires Times, the two countries also promised to "ratify the importance of maintaining good relations and maintain their will to strengthen bilateral ties."
Petro and Milei have been going at it since before Milei won the Argentinian elections last year, with the Colombian leader calling Milei's win a "sad moment for Latin America," with Milei soon firing back with his usual barbs.
Argentina, Colombia Taking Initial Steps To Normalize Ties Once Again
In addition to Colombia's ambassador to Argentina returning to Buenos Aires as relations resume, Colombia also promised that it would approve Argentina's newly appointed ambassador. Meanwhile, Argentina has said that it would be sending its foreign minister to Bogota soon.
The Associated Press noted that while both leaders, Milei and Petro, come from the opposite ends of the political spectrum, they both rose to power through oddly similar means, as both won their respective elections "with promises of radical change stemming from voters' frustration with establishments that they say long have failed to address deep-rooted poverty and inequality."
READ MORE: Argentina Rightwing President Javier Milei Hugs Man He Called a 'Filthy Leftist,' Pope Francis
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Rising poverty in Argentina: Independent study says rate approaching 60% - Al Jazeera English
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!