Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, in a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, outlined the components of the new era in bilateral relations: restoring the free trade agreement, strengthening political ties, moving the embassy to Jerusalem, and a commitment to maximize the relationship from this point onward, according to Channel 12.
Friday evening's statement from Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo provided the most detailed roadmap yet for the restoration of bilateral ties, as reported by Channel 12. In his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Restrepo specified the reinstatement of the free trade agreement, the strengthening of political relations, the decision to move the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem, and a commitment to maximize the relationship from this point forward.
The announcement follows earlier reports from The Zioneer at 19:08 that Restrepo had declared the immediate restoration of full diplomatic relations and the embassy move at the opening of the meeting. The Vice President's remarks now add the specific components of the new era.
The development is part of the broader diplomatic overhaul initiated by President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office earlier today. As The Zioneer has documented throughout the transition, de la Espriella campaigned on reversing the adversarial policies of his predecessor Gustavo Petro, who severed ties and accused Israel of war crimes. The new administration has already announced the closure of the Palestinian embassy in Bogotá and the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and has signaled its withdrawal from international legal proceedings against Israel.
3 developments
- StrongColombia President de la Espriella reinforces pledge for 'stronger than ever' Israel ties
- StrongIsrael and Colombia agree to fully restore diplomatic, economic ties after August 7 inauguration
- StrongSa'ar, on eve of Colombia inauguration, declares 'golden era' in ties with de la Espriella
- StrongColombia's incoming foreign minister pledges to renew ties with Israel, move embassy to Jerusalem
Source and signal
- Open-source intake