Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with Colombia’s newly elected president, Abelardo De La Espriella, one day before his official inauguration. The meeting took place at the president’s office in the city of Barranquilla, following De La Espriella’s invitation to Sa’ar for a meeting and a private lunch.
The meeting lasted nearly three hours, during which the two discussed practical steps to strengthen political, security, and economic ties between Israel and Colombia. Sa’ar thanked the president for his decision to move Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem, stating, “You have laid a stone in the walls of Jerusalem.”
This marks the second meeting between the president-elect and the foreign minister, following their previous encounter in Buenos Aires in November of last year. Sa’ar will represent Israel today (Friday) at the inauguration ceremony of the new Colombian president, held in the city of Cali.
This diplomatic turn comes after a break in relations lasting more than two years, led by outgoing president Gustavo Petro during the war in Gaza. Roughly two weeks ago, Sa’ar met in Washington with Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar.
During the Washington meeting, the two agreed on a series of steps to restore relations, including the full restoration of diplomatic ties, immediate appointment of ambassadors, cancellation of visa requirements between the countries, and moving Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem. Additionally, it was agreed to resume coal exports from Colombia—which had been canceled under President Petro—and for Colombia to withdraw from South Africa’s suit against Israel at the International Court of Justice and the “Hague Group.”