Delcy Rodríguez Receives Colombian President Petro in First Visit After Maduro’s Departure

Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on Friday, April 24, 2026, marking their first meeting since the U.S. Military seized former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their home in January.

The meeting comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations despite Petro’s refusal to recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president following the contested July 2024 elections. Colombia’s government stated that the talks aim to contribute to a resolution of Venezuela’s political crisis while addressing shared concerns including migration, defense, border security, industrial cooperation, and trade.

Petro announced ahead of the meeting that his delegation, which includes top military and police officials, would focus on border security cooperation with Rodríguez, particularly in the Catatumbo region where rival armed groups compete for territorial control. He stressed the necessity of “close collaboration on intelligence,” warning that without it, “bombs land in the wrong places … And end up killing civilians.”

The leaders were expected to discuss an extensive bilateral agenda, with both sides pledging military cooperation during what is described as the first post-Maduro visit by a Colombian president. Previous plans to meet at their shared border last month were abruptly canceled by both governments citing “force majeure,” though no explanation was provided for the cancellation at that time.

Despite tensions stemming from Colombia’s non-recognition of Maduro’s presidency, Petro has maintained diplomatic channels with Caracas. The meeting represents a continuation of efforts to manage bilateral relations amid Venezuela’s ongoing political situation following the January removal of Maduro by U.S. Forces.