Colombia to shut 14 embassies, cut ties with Cuba, Nicaragua

Colombia's incoming president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has announced a sweeping overhaul of the nation's foreign policy, pivoting sharply away from the course set by outgoing President Gustavo Petro. The plan, to be enacted after his inauguration on August 7, includes closing approximately 14 embassies, severing diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, and restoring full relations with Israel, including moving Colombia's embassy to Jerusalem.

De la Espriella framed the diplomatic downsizing as a cost-cutting measure to redirect resources toward domestic priorities like security, healthcare, and education. He stated that Colombia needs a modern and efficient diplomacy that serves national interests rather than bureaucracy. The list of embassies slated for closure spans several continents and includes missions in Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Barbados. The incoming administration emphasized that closing these missions does not mean breaking diplomatic relations with those countries, with consular services expected to be reassigned.

A more definitive break was announced for Cuba and Nicaragua. De...