President of Colombia speaks to Trump about combating drugs and sanctions

The Colombian presidency said in a statement that the country's leader, Gustavo Petro, who is leaving office, spoke by telephone this Friday (3) with the president of the United States, Donald Trump.

According to the ministry, the two discussed the eradication of coca cultivation, used in the production of cocaine.

The president of Colombia also requested that US sanctions against him be lifted. Trump said he would "do everything possible", according to the note.

The two leaders had clashed earlier this year, following the US military attack in Venezuela. However, the relationship between the two improved over the months, including a trip by Petro to Washington, where he met with Trump.

In the midst of the presidential elections in Colombia, Trump declared "total and unrestricted support" for Abelardo de la Espriella, then the opposition candidate, also calling him an "intelligent, strong and determined leader".

Petro accused the American leader of intervening in the country by declaring his support for the then right-wing candidate.

De la Espriella won the presidential race and will take office in August.

Election in Colombia: De la Espriella celebrates victory at the polls | LIVE CNN

Source: CNN