BOGOTA, Colombia -- Representatives of European, Latin American and Caribbean nations on Sunday began a two-day summit in Colombia to try to strengthen ties despite questions on the gathering's relevance and divisions in the Western Hemisphere over the U.S. military operation targeting reported drug-carrying vessels.

Colombian officials have indicated they will seek the signing of a declaration on renewable energy, food security, financing and technological cooperation at the end of the summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the European Union. The deadly U.S. operation, however, will likely become a key point of discussion as Colombian President Gustavo Petro is among its strongest critics.

The U.S. strikes against reported drug-carrying vessels in the Caribb

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