Israel and Colombia agree to restore full diplomatic ties
Israel and Colombia are set to fully restore diplomatic and economic relations following the inauguration of Colombia's new president on August 7
Israel and Colombia have agreed to fully restore diplomatic and economic relations following the inauguration of Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Esperanza, on August 7, marking a significant shift in ties after more than a year of strained relations.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Washington between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's Foreign Minister-designate, Omar Bula Escobar. The two officials outlined plans to normalize bilateral relations immediately after the new Colombian administration takes office.
As part of the agreement, both countries will promptly appoint new ambassadors and resume full diplomatic engagement. The move is intended to reestablish longstanding cooperation between Israel and Colombia, which had been disrupted under the outgoing Colombian government.
A key outcome of the discussions was Colombia's stated intention to open an embassy in Jerusalem. According to Israeli officials, Bula Escobar informed Sa'ar that the incoming administration plans to establish the diplomatic mission in Israel's capital. Sa'ar pledged the Israeli Foreign Ministry's full support to facilitate the process.
The ministers also agreed to eliminate visa requirements for citizens traveling between the two countries, a step aimed at strengthening tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges.
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Beyond the diplomatic announcements, the meeting included broader discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, signaling a desire to deepen the relationship under the incoming Colombian government.
The latest breakthrough follows a phone conversation last month between Sa'ar and President-elect de la Esperanza, during which both sides expressed support for rebuilding ties. Israel's Foreign Ministry is now preparing to appoint a new ambassador to Bogotá, with the selection expected as early as July 20 by the ministry's Appointments Committee for Heads of Missions.
Relations between Israel and Colombia deteriorated sharply in May 2024, when outgoing President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel. Despite the diplomatic rupture, Israel returned its ambassador to Colombia in June 2024, while Colombia's ambassador to Israel concluded her posting and departed at the end of that month.