Colombia and Venezuela Seek MERCOSUR Membership

Petro government looks to regional bloc as shield against US pressure

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:34am

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The governments of Colombia and Venezuela have announced plans to apply for full membership in the South American trade bloc MERCOSUR. This move comes after Colombian President Gustavo Petro canceled a planned high-level meeting with Venezuelan officials, reportedly under pressure from former US President Donald Trump. Instead, a delegation of Colombian ministers will travel to Caracas to discuss pragmatic issues like combating drug trafficking and securing Venezuelan natural gas supplies for Colombia.

Why it matters

This diplomatic maneuver highlights the delicate balance Colombia must strike between its relationships with the US and Venezuela. By seeking MERCOSUR membership, Petro aims to create an institutional framework to facilitate economic deals with Venezuela without directly defying Washington's influence in the region.

The details

Petro stated that Colombia will officially submit its application for MERCOSUR membership, while also demanding that Venezuela's suspended membership in the bloc be reinstated. This comes after Petro was forced to cancel a planned meeting with Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez, reportedly following a phone call with former US President Donald Trump. Instead, a delegation of Colombian ministers will travel to Caracas to discuss practical matters like combating drug trafficking and securing Venezuelan natural gas supplies for Colombia's energy needs.

  • In mid-March, Petro was scheduled to meet personally with Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez.
  • The Colombia-Venezuela meeting was canceled immediately after Petro's phone call with former US President Donald Trump.

The players

Gustavo Petro

The current president of Colombia who is seeking to strengthen ties with Venezuela and join the MERCOSUR trade bloc.

Delcy Rodriguez

The authorized President of Venezuela, whose planned meeting with Petro was canceled at the last minute.

Donald Trump

The former US President who reportedly pressured Petro to cancel the meeting with Rodriguez.

MERCOSUR

The South American Common Market, a regional trade bloc that Colombia and Venezuela now seek to join as full members.

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What’s next

The Colombian government is expected to formally submit its application for MERCOSUR membership in the coming weeks. Venezuela's suspended membership in the bloc will also be a key point of discussion.

The takeaway

This diplomatic maneuvering highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as Colombia seeks to balance its relationships with the US and Venezuela. By pursuing MERCOSUR membership, Petro aims to create an institutional framework to facilitate economic cooperation with Venezuela without directly defying Washington's influence in the region.