Colombia Opens Embassy in Jerusalem as Israel Ties Resume

Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem on October 14, restoring a diplomatic presence in the city as the country renewed relations with Israel under President Abelardo de la Espriella. The ceremony was attended by Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The opening followed the formal reinstatement of Colombia and Israel’s free trade agreement on October 13, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The two countries also restored diplomatic and economic relations. A report said an agreement was reached on July 15 and took effect after de la Espriella assumed office in August. Saar described the embassy opening as significant for Israel and Jerusalem, which Israel regards as its capital. He said foreign activity in the city must respect Israeli sovereignty. Saar also said de la Espriella had pledged before his election to move Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem upon taking office. The embassy had previously been in Tel Aviv. Colombia’s move makes it the 10th foreign country with an embassy in Jerusalem, according to the reports.