Defence Minister, Colombian envoy discuss security issues

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge welcomed the ambassador of Colombia to TT, William Bush, on September 12, during a courtesy call at the ministry in Port of Spain.

A post on Facebook by the ministry said: "Discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between both nations, with particular emphasis on security co-operation, regional stability and opportunities for deeper collaboration."

The post added: "Colombia and TT continue to share warm diplomatic ties built on mutual respect and co-operation."

No further details were provided.

The meeting comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the deployment of US warships and troops in the southern Caribbean near Venezuela.

In response to growing tensions between the US and neighbouring Venezuela, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly called for a regional political solution.

Earlier this week, several media outlets, including Anadolu Agency and Colombia One, reported that Petro rejected the possibility of Colombia's territory being used for any military intervention against Venezuela.

The president was quoted as saying that Colombia would not lend its territory for an invasion by any neighbouring country or its citizens.

He made the remarks on September 9 at the inauguration of the Amazon Center for International Police Cooperation (CCPI) in Manaus, Brazil.

The event aimed to unite nine Pan-Amazonian countries and Brazilian federal authorities to strengthen the fight against transnational organised crime that threatens the region's security, environment and people.

Similar to Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, the Colombian leader views the US military presence in the region as a threat of invasion against a sovereign country, wary of the consequences if force is used.

However, Petro has called for multilateral diplomacy.

Venezuela and Colombia are often referred to as "sister nations", considering their shared history, origins and culture.

The Donald Trump administration in the US does not recognise Maduro as the legitimate head of Venezuela.

The US has repeatedly stated that its military presence is part of its efforts to combat narcoterrorism in the region.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has said that TT supports the US government's deployment in the fight against drug cartels, adding that the US has not breached any nation's sovereignty.

Persad-Bissessar also said that TT would be willing to grant the US access to local territory should Venezuela invade Guyana.

Venezuela shares borders with Colombia, Guyana and Brazil.

Venezuela maintains that the US military presence is not focused on countering illegal trafficking.

On September 11, Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, speaking in Sucre, accused the governments of TT and Guyana of acting as vassals of the US Department of War, suggesting both governments are under US control.