Colombia and Israel have agreed to fully restore diplomatic and economic relations following the inauguration of president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, scheduled for August 7. An agreement was reached Wednesday in Washington during a meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his future Colombian counterpart, Omar Bula Escobar.
Current Diplomatic Status Between Colombia and Israel
The diplomatic relationship between Colombia and Israel was severed unilaterally in May 2024 by outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has been very critical of Israel since the start of the war against Hamas in Gaza. Following this severance, the Israeli embassy in Bogotá was transformed into a general consulate.
The future administration of Abelardo de la Espriella intends to reconnect with what it presents as a historic alliance with Israel and strengthen cooperation between the two countries upon taking power. Omar Bula Escobar announced that the next Colombian government would open an embassy in Jerusalem, a decision Gideon Sa’ar committed to facilitating. Colombia would thus become the ninth country to install its embassy in the Israeli capital.
Verification of Political Leadership Claims
Abelardo de la Espriella is the president-elect of Colombia, with his inauguration scheduled for August 7. Omar Bula Escobar is the future Colombian foreign minister who met with Gideon Sa’ar in Washington, D.C., to restore bilateral relations.
The two countries plan to quickly and simultaneously appoint new ambassadors. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is already preparing the appointment of a new ambassador to Bogota, with a choice potentially being made as early as July 20 by the commission responsible for designating heads of diplomatic missions.
Context of Bilateral Trade and Visa Policies
The two ministers have agreed on the reciprocal removal of visa requirements as part of a broader relaunch of diplomatic, commercial, and economic exchanges.
- Visa Requirements: The two ministers agreed on the reciprocal removal of the visa obligation.
- Diplomatic Missions: The two countries plan to appoint new ambassadors, and Colombia intends to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
The future administration of Abelardo de la Espriella aims to strengthen cooperation and restore the alliance between the two nations starting upon his arrival at power.
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