Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on January 5, 2025, his intention to seek a political agreement in Venezuela, which is currently facing significant political tension ahead of the presidential investiture scheduled for January 10. The investiture is contested between current president Nicolás Maduro and opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia.
In a statement on social media, Petro emphasized Colombia's role after its recent election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term. He also expressed his commitment to advocate for the freedom of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who is currently imprisoned following a failed self-coup in December 2022.
Petro highlighted the systematic violation of human rights in Palestine and asserted that Colombia's position would be both precise and strong. While the Colombian Foreign Ministry noted Petro's remarks regarding the UN council membership, details on how he plans to pursue the political agreement in Venezuela remain unclear.
On December 23, Colombian Vice Chancellor Jorge Rojas indicated that Petro was considering who would represent Colombia at Maduro's investiture, with an initial plan for a low-profile delegation led by the ambassador in Caracas, Milton Rengifo. Petro's government has maintained a stance of not recognizing Maduro's victory, as declared by the official electoral tribunal, until electoral records are published.
Colombia has sought to mediate in the Venezuelan crisis since the National Electoral Council proclaimed Maduro's victory in the July 28 elections, adopting a position of not acknowledging any winner.