Colombia opens embassy in Jerusalem, restores free trade deal with Israel
The move restores diplomatic and trade ties after Colombia cut relations under former President Gustavo Petro, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the 10th country to do so, with Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attending the inauguration ceremony.
- Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro broke diplomatic relations in May 2024 and closed the embassy in Tel Aviv; President Abelardo de la Espriella campaigned to restore ties and fulfilled that pledge upon taking office.
- On Tuesday, the two nations reinstated their free trade agreement that Petro had terminated. Newly appointed Colombian Ambassador to Israel Tania Gilinski assumed her position after three years without diplomatic representation.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called Colombia a strategic partner and pledged continued assistance with security challenges, recalling Israel's previous dispatch of 80 rescue personnel following a devastating earthquake.
- Saar noted Congo will soon open the 11th embassy in Jerusalem and identified another country as the 12th, urging Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion to accelerate office space construction for incoming missions.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro broke relations with Israel in May 2024 in rejection of the offensive in the Gaza Strip
The vast majority of countries have their embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv, on the grounds that Jerusalem's status is pending resolution in a future resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Colombia opens embassy in West Jerusalem as new president embraces Israel
Colombia opens embassy in West Jerusalem as new president embraces Israel Submitted by Elis Gjevori on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:30 Colombia’s new president deepens ties with Israel, opening an embassy in West Jerusalem Off Colombia opened its embassy in West Jerusalem on Wednesday, following a controversial decision by the country’s new pro-Israeli president, Abelardo de la Espriella. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Colombian counter…
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Arab NewsColombia opens embassy to Israel in Jerusalem
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