International
Foreign ministers of Colombia and Argentina settle crisis and open a “new moment” in the relationship
The chancellor in charge of Colombia, Luis Gilberto Murillo, and his Argentine counterpart, Diana Mondino, met in Bogotá to settle the diplomatic crisis caused by the repeated offenses of President Javier Milei to his counterpart Gustavo Petro and start a “new moment” of the bilateral relationship.
The meeting took place at the Palacio de San Carlos, headquarters of the Foreign Ministry, where Murillo and Mondino shook hands after three months of diplomatic tensions.
“It was a very productive meeting where we found areas of collaboration in different sectors; cooperation on security issues, cooperation on commercial issues, economic development and, above all, reaffirming our areas of understanding,” said the Colombian minister.
Murillo added that there is “a very close relationship between Colombia and Argentina and this is a new moment in the relationship that we want to maintain in very pragmatic terms and for the benefit of both countries, both peoples and both nations.”
The meeting was behind closed doors but in photos released by the Colombian Foreign Ministry, the two foreign ministers are smiling and accompanied by other officials.
The meeting began at noon and in it Murillo and Mondino discussed issues such as bilateral trade, tourism, cooperation, security and business development, among others.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Colombia has a special interest in expanding the commercial agenda with Argentina in tourism and sustainable development,” while stressing that the two countries have “a strong cooperation relationship on defense issues.”
During her visit to Bogotá, the chancellor also met with the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and plans to meet with the head of the OAS Peace Process Support Mission in Colombia (MAPP/OAS), Roberto Menéndez.
Two weeks ago, when announcing Mondino’s visit, the Colombian ambassador to Buenos Aires, Camilo Romero, assured that the purpose was to “renew the bonds of friendship that have united us for more than 200 years,” since “the affection, affection and brotherhood of our peoples must always be superior.”
Romero had been called to consultations in Bogotá on January 26, after Milei assured, in an interview with journalist Patricia Janiot, that the Colombian president “is a murderous communist who is sinking” the country.
That was the first chapter of the quarrel between the two Governments over Milei’s statements, who a month later, on February 24, referred to Petro as “a lethal plague for the Colombians themselves,” in response to a question from a journalist from the NTN24 channel, which caused a “energic rejection” by the Foreign Ministry of Bogotá of what he called “irresponsible statements” of the Argentine president.
The straw that broke the camel’s eye was the interview given on March 26 by Milei to the CNN en Español channel in which he called Petro a “terrorist murderer.”
What motivated the announcement of the expulsion of diplomats from the Argentine embassy in Colombia, a drastic measure that was not implemented.
On March 31, in a joint statement, the Argentine and Colombian Foreign Ministries said that they had held talks to “strengthen diplomatic relations,” a gesture that indicated that the waters had calmed down and that today’s meeting confirms that normality has returned.
After this Friday’s meeting, Romero assured that what happened “should never have happened,” but “the Governments, the Foreign Ministries have done a great job, the voice of diplomacy has been imposed on that of insults.”
Romero added that today’s meeting “whe does is honor the past: 201 years of relations between the two countries and of course strengthen that bond, that bond (…) for the well-being of the people and the well-being of the citizenry.”
“This shows how to solve conflicts, something very necessary in today’s world,” said the Colombian ambassador in Buenos Aires.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Internacionales4 days agoTrump leads Pentagon ceremony honoring September 11 victims
-
Central America4 days agoHonduran president Xiomara Castro suspends activities due to influenza
-
Central America4 days agoEl Salvador to host World Cup qualifiers vs. Guatemala and Panama at Estadio Cuscatlán
-
International4 days agoPoland invokes NATO Article 4 after russian drone incursion
-
International3 days agoJair Bolsonaro sentenced for leading armed criminal plot after 2022 election loss
-
International3 days agoAuthorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
-
International8 hours ago20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
-
Sin categoría2 days ago22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
-
International8 hours agoEl Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants