WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced that arrangements are being made for a meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House, following phone talks between the two to discuss contentious issues.

Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Petro had called him to explain the differences between the two sides, adding: “I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future.”

The US president added that arrangements are being made between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Colombian Foreign Minister, and the meeting will be held at the White House.

Meanwhile, Colombian media quoted President Petro as saying that he had spoken by phone with the US president for the first time, and asked him to reopen direct communication channels between Bogota and Washington.