Israel and Colombia will fully renew diplomatic and economic relations after the new pro-Israel president takes office on August 7, according to the announcement.
Israel and Colombia announced Wednesday evening that they will fully renew diplomatic and economic relations, effective August 7, after the pro-Israel president-elect takes office that day. The announcement adds a precise date to the renewal, which had been reported earlier in the evening. The agreement includes the mutual appointment of ambassadors, cancellation of visa requirements, and Colombia's plan to open an embassy in Jerusalem, as detailed in the official statement.
The Zioneer's coverage of the development unfolded rapidly Wednesday evening. At 20:39 Jerusalem, the desk first reported, citing Amit Segal of N12, that Colombia would renew diplomatic ties and open an embassy in Jerusalem. Within the same minute, a second dispatch noted that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's incoming Foreign Minister Omar Bola Escobar had finalized an agreement including immediate mutual appointment of ambassadors. A third version at 20:39 added the cancellation of visa requirements and the inauguration date for the new Colombian president. The official announcement, carrying the full details including the August 7 effective date, was published at 21:36 Jerusalem.
As The Zioneer reported on June 25, Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella had announced that his first official act would be opening an embassy in Jerusalem and renewing the alliance with Israel. On June 22, he said his administration would build ties only with countries that respect democracy. That same day, U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated de la Espriella, calling him "the Tiger!" and vowing a strong U.S.-Colombia relationship.
The announcement formalizes the renewal, but the exact timeline for the embassy opening and the appointment of ambassadors remains to be specified beyond the August 7 effective date. The previous Colombian administration had strained relations with Israel.
4 developments
- DevelopingIsrael publishes tender for new ambassador to Colombia, restoring ties after severance
- StrongColombia's new president announces first act: opening embassy in Jerusalem
- StrongColombia President de la Espriella reinforces pledge for 'stronger than ever' Israel ties
- DevelopingColombia president-elect de la Espriella vows no ties with nations disrespecting democracy
Source and signal
- Internal intake