Vivian Aisen appointed new ambassador to Colombia as Israel strengthens ties with Latin America

Vivian Aisen will serve as Israel's next ambassador to Colombia, following the government's unanimous approval of her appointment, the Foreign Ministry announced Sunday. Aisen's appointment is part of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar's initiative to renew and restore relations between Israel and Colombia amid warming ties between Israel and Latin American countries.

Aisen previously served as ambassador to Macedonia and headed the Foreign Ministry’s Central America Department. She also held positions at Israel’s embassies in London and Chile, and its missions in Brussels and to the European Union. "We are living through a very special moment in the relations between our two countries. I am convinced that we will work together for the prosperity of our nations and the well-being of our peoples," Aisen stated in an X/Twitter post, expressing eagerness to assume her duties.

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024 due to Israel's military operations in Gaza. However, full diplomatic relations are expected to be restored after the inauguration of Colombia's new president on August 7. This restoration includes the immediate appointment of ambassadors and the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, alongside other joint initiatives. Recently, lawmakers from various Latin American countries signed a resolution supporting the expansion of the Isaac Accords and encouraging greater regional cooperation with Israel, including moving embassies to Jerusalem.

The Foreign Ministry also announced Nissan Amdur's appointment as Israel's nonresident ambassador to North Macedonia, replacing Aisen. These appointments were approved by the Ministerial Committee for Appointments in the Foreign Service before receiving final government approval.

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We are living through a very special moment in the relations between our two countries. I am convinced that we will work together for the prosperity of our nations and the well-being of our peoples.