Statement from Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Bogotá, D.C., 3 January 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Colombia, rejects

the recent armed actions against the territorial integrity and political autonomy

of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Colombia reaffirms its commitment to regional peace and security, the

sovereignty of States, and the strict respect for the principles enshrined in the

Charter of the United Nations, particularly the prohibition of the use of force and

the peaceful settlement of disputes. The region’s historical experience,

proclaimed as a Zone of Peace, demonstrates that no controversy can be

legitimately resolved through unilateral actions.

In this context, and following instructions from President Gustavo Petro Urrego,

the Government of Colombia has activated the appropriate diplomatic channels

and has called for multilateral engagement so that the situation may be

examined in the competent forums of the United Nations, in light of the

seriousness of the events and the risks they pose to the civilian population and

to regional peace.

As a preventive and responsible measure, the Government of Colombia has

ordered the deployment of public security forces along the border, strengthened

assistance capacity in anticipation of a potential increase in migratory flows, and

activated the Embassy and Consulates of Colombia in Venezuela to provide

assistance and protection to Colombian nationals present in that country.

President Gustavo Petro reiterates his invitation to the Venezuelan people to

resolve the current situation through dialogue and has emphasized the need for

the United Nations Security Council to address the matter, in accordance with

its mandate to preserve international peace and security.

Likewise, Colombia offers its good offices as a mediator to help advance a

diplomatic solution to the current crisis in the sister country. Colombia also calls

for unity and solidarity among the peoples of Latin America in the face of

interference by foreign governments.

The Republic of Colombia reiterates its conviction that only through respect for

international law, multilateral cooperation, and the protection of human life and

dignity can an escalation with unpredictable consequences for Venezuela,

Colombia, and the entire Latin American and Caribbean region be avoided.