The controversy surrounding ex-Viceminister Andrés López's presence during President Gustavo Petro's recent visit to Cuba has prompted a response from Andrés Camilo Hernández Ramírez, the Strategic Communications and Digital Coordinator for Colombia's Presidency. The official visit took place from July 31 to August 1.
Doubts arose after journalist Diana Saray publicly questioned on the social platform X about López's role during Petro's trip, noting that the former official no longer holds any government position.
"In what capacity did former Viceminister Andrés López accompany President Petro to Cuba? If he is no longer a government official, why was he part of the entourage?" questioned the journalist.
Addressing the issue, Hernández Ramírez clarified that López was not part of the official delegation and stated that his presence was due to personal reasons.
"Former Viceminister Andrés López did not travel with the presidential delegation. He was already in Cuba for personal reasons unknown to me, as he is a free citizen who can travel," he asserted.
Hernández Ramírez further explained that López had only requested to attend an event where Petro met with Colombian medical students at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), a request that was granted specifically for that occasion.
"He asked to be present at the student event, and I allowed his entry. Nothing more," he specified.
Political Past Casts Doubt
Despite the explanation, skepticism remains due to López's recent political background. The former Viceminister of Information and Communications Technology stepped down on June 2, 2026, amid accusations of alleged political involvement favoring the presidential campaign of Iván Cepeda, a candidate from Petro's political coalition, the Historical Pact.
According to La Silla Vacía, López admitted leaving the government after discussing a role in Cepeda's digital strategy with the president, although he denied playing an active role. Reports surfaced soon after about López's intentions to return to the viceministerial position he vacated, fueling questions about his ties to Petro's inner circle.
Petro's Final International Engagement
The controversy unfolded during Gustavo Petro's final overseas trip as Colombia's president, occurring just days before his term ends on August 7. In Havana, Petro was welcomed by Miguel Díaz-Canel at the Palace of the Revolution and met with Colombian students at ELAM, an institution linked to the 2016 Peace Agreement with the FARC, in which Cuba was a guarantor country.
The visit coincided with an impending shift in Colombia's foreign policy. President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced plans to sever diplomatic ties with Cuba starting August 7.
Carolina Gómez, his spokesperson, criticized Petro's trip, stating, according to Infobae Colombia, that "it does not benefit Colombians in any way."
De la Espriella justified the forthcoming diplomatic break with a strong statement: "In my administration, there will be no ties with tyrannies," signaling a drastic change in relations between Bogotá and Havana.
Questions About Petro's Visit to Cuba
Why was Andrés López in Cuba during President Petro's visit?
Andrés López was in Cuba for personal reasons unrelated to the official delegation. He requested and was granted permission to attend a specific event with Colombian medical students.
What was the purpose of President Petro's visit to Cuba?
President Petro's visit to Cuba involved a meeting with Colombian students at the Latin American School of Medicine, connected to commitments from the 2016 Peace Agreement with the FARC, with Cuba as a guarantor.
What changes in foreign policy are expected under President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella?
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella plans to break diplomatic relations with Cuba, marking a significant shift in Colombia's foreign policy.