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🇮🇱 Israel /Economy & Trade

Colombia, Israel aim to expand cooperation as new government takes office

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Colombia and Israel are strengthening diplomatic ties following the inauguration of new Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
  • Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Colombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and other senior officials to discuss expanding cooperation.
  • Ties were severed in 2024 by former President Gustavo Petro, who accused Israel of genocide.

Colombia and Israel are moving to restore and expand their diplomatic relationship, marked by meetings between senior officials ahead of the inauguration of Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar arrived in Colombia for the ceremony and held discussions with Vice President José Manuel Restrepo, Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar, and other ministers from the incoming government.

Not only will we rebuild our ties, but we will take them to new heights.

— Gideon Sa'arIsraeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar expressed optimism about the future of Colombian-Israeli relations.

The meetings focused on identifying practical opportunities to deepen cooperation across various sectors, aiming to translate the renewed diplomatic ties into concrete partnerships. This effort signifies a significant shift from the previous administration's stance.

Relations between the two nations were severed in 2024 by former Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Petro had accused Israel of committing "genocide" during its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. During his term, he also drew parallels between Israel and "Nazi" tactics in Latin America, curtailed defense collaborations, and banned Colombian coal exports to Israel.

You designated 2026 as a year for expanding its ties with Latin America. You have reinstated the free trade agreement, strengthened diplomatic relations, made the decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and from this point forward, we are committed to maximizing the benefits of this relationship.

— José Manuel RestrepoColombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo outlined the steps being taken to deepen ties with Israel.

Vice President Restrepo expressed Colombia's commitment to enhancing its relationship with Israel, stating, "For Colombia, 2026 will be marked by the deepening and strengthening of its relationship with the State of Israel." He highlighted reinstated free trade agreements, strengthened diplomatic relations, and the decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem as key steps. Sa'ar, in turn, thanked his hosts, asserting, "Not only will we rebuild our ties, but we will take them to new heights."

For Colombia, 2026 will be marked by the deepening and strengthening of its relationship with the State of Israel.

— José Manuel RestrepoColombian Vice President José Manuel Restrepo emphasized the significance of the renewed relationship with Israel for Colombia in 2026.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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