Colombia brought back its ambassador from Argentina for discussions on Friday. This happened after Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, called Colombia’s leader, Gustavo Petro, a “communist murderer.” Milei made these comments during an interview with journalist Patricia Janiot, which she posted on her YouTube channel.

In response, Colombia’s foreign ministry issued a statement, calling Milei’s remarks “disrespectful and irresponsible.” They emphasized that these comments go against the strong bonds of friendship, understanding, and cooperation that historically connect Colombia and Argentina, two countries that have usually had good relations.

The tension between the two nations increased after the election of Argentina’s new president, Milei, who follows libertarian principles. This strained the relationship between him and Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president.

Petro defended his position, stating that those who criticize them as communists or socialists don’t really understand these ideologies. He clarified that Colombia’s government aims for people, not the state, to have control over the means of production.