Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted to remarks made by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa concerning security and trade between the two nations, particularly focusing on issues at their shared border. Noboa had criticized Colombia for its neglect of border security, linking it to Ecuador's decision to impose a 30% security tax on imports from Colombia, exacerbated by perceived inaction from Colombia regarding illicit activities.

In defense of Colombia's efforts, President Petro pointed out that his administration has actively undertaken significant measures to combat drug trafficking, including the eradication of 21,000 hectares of coca plants along the border. He emphasized that these actions have contributed to a substantial reduction in the homicide rate in Nariño, a Colombian department bordering Ecuador, countering the narrative of negligence that Noboa proposed. Furthermore, Petro argued that restricting legal trade only benefits narcotraffickers, underlining the interconnectedness of both countries in tackling these issues.

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, particularly in the context of security and economic cooperation. The decisions made by both governments in response to these challenges have implications not just for bilateral trade, but also for regional stability, especially as they grapple with crime and security concerns linked to drug trafficking. Noboa's and Petro's statements reflect a broader dialogue on the responsibilities of both nations in addressing crime and safeguarding their populations from the impacts of narcotics trafficking and border insecurity.