A Conversation with Colombian Ambassador Daniel García-Peña
On March 17, 2025, the Georgetown Americas Institute hosted Daniel García-Peña, Colombian ambassador to the United States, for a wide-ranging discussion on U.S.-Colombia relations, moderated by Denisse Yanovich, the institute's managing director. Ambassador García-Peña drew from his experience as a historian, peace negotiator, and journalist to provide a detailed analysis of the changing diplomatic relationship between Colombia and the United States. He emphasized collaboration in migration, security, trade, and diplomacy, particularly in shifting political landscapes.
Strengthening Hemispheric Ties Through Shared Responsibility
Ambassador García-Peña emphasized that Colombia remains a key U.S. partner in addressing hemispheric challenges, particularly migration and drug trafficking. He underscored Colombia's humanitarian leadership, noting that it has taken in nearly 2.8 million Venezuelan migrants in recent years—far more than any other country in Latin America. This action, he argued, positions Colombia as part of the solution, not part of the problem, and helps reduce northbound migration pressures on the United States.
García-Peña acknowledged the legacy of failed policies centered on coca crop eradication and the importance of a new approach that targets drug trafficking networks rather than impoverished farmers. He shared that in 2023, Colombia seized a record 884 tons of cocaine—an effort made possible through enhanced intelligence-sharing and law enforcement cooperation.
He also highlighted Colombia's emerging role as a regional security exporter. The Colombian National Police trains security forces in Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, and several countries in Central America. García-Peña highlighted that Colombia was the first country to identify Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan-origin transnational gang recently designated a terrorist group by the U.S. government, as a serious threat. Colombian police intelligence led to the arrest of key figures, and the information provided has enabled U.S. authorities to pursue suspects within their borders.
Navigating Political Contrasts and Diplomatic Continuity
García-Peña reflected on how Colombia's partnership with the United States has endured despite changes in leadership on both sides. From Plan Colombia under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to the current leftist administration of Gustavo Petro, the ambassador noted that the bilateral relationship has matured into a strategic alliance rooted in institutional trust. He offered a detailed account of a January 2025 diplomatic crisis when Colombia temporarily suspended two repatriation flights in protest of how migrants were treated, prompting public threats of sanctions from the Donald Trump administration. Behind the scenes, however, García-Peña and his team engaged in rapid negotiations with U.S. officials, ultimately agreeing to use Colombian air force planes to repatriate citizens under conditions of dignity.
The ambassador highlighted the broad domestic and international support for protecting the bilateral relationship during the crisis, with even ideological opponents in Colombia—former presidents, congressional leaders, and business figures—speaking out in favor of U.S.-Colombia cooperation. He highlighted that leaders across Colombia's political spectrum united to preserve the relationship with the United States, reflecting the depth of diplomatic continuity built over the decades.
Venezuela, Diplomacy, and Regional Stability
Ambassador García-Peña described Colombia's position on Venezuela as one shaped by geographic reality and historical ties, necessitating a pragmatic engagement policy. He explained that while the Petro administration does not recognize Nicolás Maduro's most recent election due to widespread concerns over democratic legitimacy, it maintains formal diplomatic relations with Caracas to address cross-border challenges such as migration, trade, and security. This dual-track approach strikes a balance between principles and practical necessity, particularly since millions of Venezuelans now reside in Colombia and many Colombians continue to live across the border.
García-Peña discussed Colombia's earlier role in facilitating dialogue between the Maduro government and the opposition, contributing to the efforts that led to the Barbados Agreements. He noted that these initiatives received support from the Joe Biden administration and regional partners, including Brazil and Norway. However, appointing a special envoy during the Trump administration has temporarily sidelined Colombia's mediating role by promoting direct U.S. engagement with Maduro.
Despite this, Colombia maintains contact with the Venezuelan government and key opposition figures, remaining prepared to step in if a new round of negotiations is initiated. García-Peña emphasized that previous attempts to isolate Venezuela diplomatically had failed and that severing ties, such as closing consulates and embassies, only empowered illicit actors who filled the resulting void. Instead, Colombia is committed to a policy of constructive engagement, guided by its democratic values and responsibility to maintain stability in a deeply interconnected border region.
U.S.-Colombia Trade, Investment, and Strategic Competition
Ambassador García-Peña underscored that while Colombia is committed to diversifying its economic partnerships, the United States remains its principal trading ally and preferred investment partner—despite the growing presence of Chinese investments. He clarified that Chinese investment often results from a lack of U.S. engagement rather than a strategic preference for China. For example, when questioned by a U.S. senator about Chinese involvement in the metro-rail project, García-Peña explained that no U.S. company had submitted a bid, leaving China as the only viable option. He stressed that Colombia is a sovereign country with pressing development needs, and while it welcomes international investment, it does so to meet national infrastructure, energy, and climate transition priorities. He also pointed to long-standing trade relationships, such as the flower export industry to the United States, which supports both rural women in Colombia and thousands of jobs in the United States, as evidence of the deep economic ties that extend beyond strategic competition. Ultimately, García-Peña framed the economic relationship as an opportunity rather than a binary choice, suggesting that the United States could reassert itself by actively engaging in Colombia's development agenda in a mutually beneficial manner.
“We would like more U.S. investment, but Colombia is a sovereign country, and we need to diversify our economic relations.” - Ambassador García-Peña
During the Q&A session, Ambassador García-Peña reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing Colombia's relationship with the United States amid shifting global dynamics. In response to a question about the recent freeze on U.S. foreign assistance, he acknowledged the profound implications for Colombia, which stands to lose billions in support for peace implementation, migration, and development programs. He noted that while some funding, particularly for counter-narcotics, remains active, other critical areas, such as inclusion and equity, have been shut down. The ambassador emphasized that Colombia now relies on domestic resources to sustain projects once backed by U.S. aid. This demonstrates Colombia's resilience and commitment to fulfilling national priorities despite external uncertainty.
Turning to geopolitical competition, he reaffirmed Colombia's strategic preference for the United States over China despite growing Chinese investment in infrastructure. He underscored that Chinese firms often fill vacuums left by the United States and emphasized the importance of American re-engagement. Reflecting on his diplomatic strategy, García-Peña underlined the importance of cultivating personal relationships with U.S. legislators, recalling informal conversations and shared visits as crucial to building trust. Finally, he addressed the evolving nature of diplomacy in the age of social media, recognizing the disruptive potential of presidential social media posts while cautioning against overreaction. Although online statements may spark tensions, he argued that effective diplomacy still relies on institutional cooperation, back-channel negotiations, and mutual respect—values that have sustained U.S.-Colombian relations for over two centuries.