Leaders from the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) are gathering in Colombia today for the fourth summit, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of energy, climate change and international security, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Among the participants in the two-day talks in the coastal city of Santa Marta are Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, the head of European diplomacy Kaia Callas and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
The EU and CELAC represent over 1 billion people, which makes up 14% of the world's population and 21% of global economic output.
However, the list of participants is relatively short, DPA notes. EC President Ursula von der Leyen will not be present, as will the leaders of Germany, France, Mexico, Argentina and Chile. The host, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, intends to raise the issue of deadly attacks by the US military on vessels linked to drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea. This controversial topic probably explains the absence of some leaders who prefer not to irritate Washington.
In recent weeks, the US has sunk several high-speed vessels near Venezuela, which are believed to be used by drug traffickers. The increased US military presence in the region has raised concerns about possible operations against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In addition, Washington last month imposed sanctions on Colombian President Petro, accusing him of not taking sufficient measures to fight drug cartels.