The two leaders are to discuss their countries' diplomatic rift, Colombia's foreign ministry said.

After Mr Santos' inauguration on Saturday, Mr Chavez said he would like to meet him "face-to-face". Earlier, Mr Chavez urged Colombia's largest left-wing rebel group, Farc, to free all its hostages.

Mr Chavez has in the past successfully brokered a deal with the Farc rebels to release some of their hostages.

Last week, the Farc said they were willing to search for a political solution to the 46-year-old conflict.

And Juan Manuel Santos began his presidency by signalling he would be willing to talk to the rebels if they freed their hostages.