https://arab.news/yxcaw
Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to take part in the annual Future Investment Initiative conference, starting a tour of the region. Colombia has recently sought to expand its presence in the region, establishing an embassy in the Saudi capital earlier this year and taking a more active role in shaping the international discussions on regional issues. In particular, it has reassessed its position from a steadfast supporter of Israel to an evenhanded approach to the conflict.
Petro caught the attention of many at the UN last month by strongly advocating for ending the Gaza conflict, and for the universal recognition of Palestine as a state and a full UN member. He also called on the UN to “liberate” Palestine, by force if necessary, which led to the US announcement that it revoked his visa, although Petro did not need a visa to come to the US.
In July, Bogota hosted a 30-nation conference that denounced Israel’s war against Gaza and called for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Colombia, together with South Africa and other countries established the Hague Group, which seeks to gather support for the enforcement of UN resolutions on the conflict. Petro said at the time: “We can either stand firm in defense of the legal principles that seek to prevent war and conflict, or watch helplessly as the international system collapses under the weight of unchecked power politics.”
