Caracas welcomed the international summit but reiterated that the only path to resume dialogue was lifting US sanctions and releasing frozen funds. The summit began with a televised speech by Colombian President Gustavo Petro before closed-door discussions took place. During the summit, Petro urged an end to sanctions against Venezuela and recognized the economic suffering inflicted on the population, stating that “Venezuelan society does not want to be sanctioned because the sanctions have fallen on the people.” The Bogotá summit was organized by Petro with blessing from the Maduro government and the US-backed opposition, despite the parties not participating directly. On April 20, the Colombian leader met with President Joe Biden in Washington and requested the gradual removal of economic sanctions against Venezuela, adding that the objective of the international summit was “no sanctions and more democracy.”