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Gustavo Petro’s Colombia Grants Asylum to Panama’s Martinelli, Joins China’s Belt and Road, Meets Xi Jinping

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Updated May 14, 2025, 03:13 AM

Colombia has granted political asylum to Ricardo Martinelli, the former president of Panama who was convicted of corruption charges, including a 10-year prison sentence for money laundering. Martinelli arrived in Colombia on May 10 after leaving the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama. Colombian President Gustavo Petro defended the decision, describing asylum as a universal right and emphasizing Colombia's tradition as a refuge regardless of political orientation. The asylum move has sparked controversy and criticism in Panama and Colombia, with some accusing Colombia of protecting corruption and violating international treaties.

Meanwhile, during his official visit to China, Petro announced Colombia's intention to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the Silk Road, despite warnings and opposition from the United States. Petro also proposed a summit between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the U.S., similar to the meeting held with China in Beijing. Petro met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss and advance Colombia's participation in the initiative. Trade between China and Colombia reached a record high of approximately $6.7 billion in the first four months of 2025, increasing by 8.5% year-on-year.

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Sources

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EFE Noticias

@EFEnoticias

#ÚLTIMAHORA | Gustavo Petro and Xi Jinping meet in Beijing with Colombia joining the Silk Roads on the agenda. https://t.co/kXUYcu8Vvx

Noticias RCN

@NoticiasRCN

At this time, President Gustavo Petro meets with Xi Jinping, President of China, prior to the signing of the cooperation agreement on the Silk Road. https://t.co/yDzEAOF0MO