Colombia has taken the significant step of expelling Argentine diplomats from their embassy within its borders, a move announced by Colombia’s foreign ministry on Wednesday. The decision was prompted by what was deemed as “denigrating” remarks made by Argentine President Javier Milei about Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

Milei’s comments, which were reportedly made during an interview with news channel CNN, have not yet been fully aired. However, snippets of the interview have circulated, wherein Milei referred to Petro as a “terrorist,” “murderer,” and “communist.” These incendiary remarks have deeply affected the trust between the two nations, according to Colombia’s foreign ministry, and have been viewed as an affront to the dignity of President Petro, who was elected through democratic means.

This isn’t the first time such remarks have caused diplomatic tensions between Colombia and Argentina. In January, Colombia recalled its ambassador to Argentina after similar disparaging comments were made by Milei.

Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, has a controversial past as a former member of the long-demobilized M-19 guerrilla movement. His political career has been marked by strong stances on social justice and economic reform, which have drawn both praise and criticism.

The involvement of Milei, a libertarian figure, in making such comments adds another layer of complexity to the situation. His critique of Petro, along with his remarks about other regional leaders such as Mexico’s Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, underscores the potential diplomatic ramifications of his statements.

The expulsion of Argentine diplomats underscores Colombia’s commitment to upholding the dignity of its elected officials and maintaining respectful relations with its international partners. However, it also highlights the sensitivity of political discourse in the region and the need for careful diplomacy in addressing contentious issues.