Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Colombia's Foreign Minister-designate Omar Bula Escobar in Washington, where they agreed to fully restore bilateral relations. The renewal will take effect after the new Colombian president is inaugurated on August 7, according to the announcement.
On Thursday, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Colombia's Foreign Minister-designate Omar Bula Escobar in Washington, where they finalized the agreement to fully restore diplomatic and economic relations, as first reported by The Zioneer on Wednesday evening. The renewal will come into effect after the inauguration of Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, on August 7.
The Zioneer reported on Wednesday, July 15 at 20:39 Jerusalem, that Colombia would open an embassy in Jerusalem and renew ties, citing N12. Simultaneously, further details emerged: mutual appointment of ambassadors, cancellation of visa requirements, and the effective date of August 7. On Thursday at 13:26 Jerusalem, Colombia's incoming foreign minister formally informed Israel of the embassy plan.
The rapprochement follows the election of de la Espriella, who pledged during his campaign to restore ties severed by outgoing President Gustavo Petro in June 2024. As The Zioneer reported on June 22, the Israeli Foreign Ministry called the election a 'strategic shift.' De la Espriella reiterated his commitment to 'stronger-than-ever' ties in a post on June 24. The agreement includes Colombia's plan to open an embassy in Jerusalem, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
The economic scope of the renewed relationship has not been detailed, and the timeline for the embassy opening in Jerusalem has not been specified beyond the pledge.
5 developments
- DevelopingIsrael publishes tender for new ambassador to Colombia, restoring ties after severance
- DevelopingColombia's incoming foreign minister tells Israel: embassy will open in Jerusalem
- StrongColombia President de la Espriella reinforces pledge for 'stronger than ever' Israel ties
- StrongColombia's new president announces first act: opening embassy in Jerusalem
Source and signal
- Internal intake