Bolivia and Colombia are 'more integrated than ever,' says President Paz after meeting with Restrepo

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz declared that his nation and Colombia are experiencing an unprecedented level of integration following a meeting with Colombian Vice President-elect José Manuel Restrepo. The encounter took place in Peru, where both leaders attended the inauguration of Keiko Fujimori.

"A message to Bolivia, to Colombia and to Latin America, today (we are) more integrated than ever to be able to move our nations forward and reiterate (...) it is for the people, it is for the people," Paz stated in a video shared by Bolivia TV, appearing alongside Restrepo.

Restrepo formally invited Paz to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, scheduled for August 7. Paz, who has been in office for just over eight months, had previously congratulated De la Espriella on his presidential victory in June, remarking that the region was heading towards a "new era of freedom."

This meeting follows a period of diplomatic strain between Bolivia and outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro. In May, Petro characterized protests and road blockades in Bolivia as a "popular insurrection" and a "response to geopolitical arrogance." Bolivia responded by expelling the Colombian ambassador, Elizabeth García, citing Petro's remarks as interference. Colombia retaliated by revoking the diplomatic status of the Bolivian charge d'affaires in Bogotá, Ariel Percy Molina Pimentel.

Prior to Colombia's presidential runoff election, Bolivia's Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo had indicated that Paz's government would seek to restore ambassadorial relations with Colombia once the election results were known.

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A message to Bolivia, to Colombia and to Latin America, today (we are) more integrated than ever to be able to move our nations forward and reiterate (...) it is for the people, it is for the people.