Ammon News - Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, becoming the 10th country to do so, as new ​President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his predecessor's ‌break with Israel by also restoring a free trade agreement between the two countries.

Most countries maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel ​Aviv. Israel regards Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians ​seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a ⁠future independent state. The city's status remains one of ​the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Former Colombian President ​Gustavo Petro in May 2024 broke diplomatic relations with Israel over its actions in Gaza and had heavily criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Petro had ​closed Colombia's embassy in Tel Aviv and recalled its ​ambassador, a move Israel said was antisemitic and a reward for Hamas ‌militants
Right-winger ⁠de la Espriella became president in August.

On Tuesday, the free trade agreement that was terminated by Petro was reinstated.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said: "In just two months, we have ​reversed most of ​the negative ⁠consequences of the Petro administration for Israel-Colombia relations and have even broken new ground ... I ​thank ... Abelardo de la Espriella for his determination ​to ⁠bring Israel-Colombia relations to an all-time high."

Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Bula Escobar attended the opening of the embassy ⁠in ​Jerusalem.

Several countries have relocated their embassies ​to Jerusalem since the United States did so in 2018. Among them are Guatemala, ​Honduras, Paraguay and Somaliland.


Reuters