Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed rising regional tensions during his visit to Washington, highlighting the growing challenge of drug trafficking across South America. Petro warned that stricter enforcement in Colombia is pushing cocaine routes south through Ecuador’s ports, placing pressure on Ecuador’s security systems. He also acknowledged a trade dispute between Colombia and Ecuador, where both countries imposed 30% tariffs amid accusations over drug trafficking. Petro further raised concerns about Venezuela’s instability following U.S. military actions and the detention of President Nicolas Maduro. The Colombian leader stressed the need to counter misinformation and restore honest diplomatic communication between nations.