Colombia Inaugurates Embassy in Jerusalem, Vowing Stronger Ties

Colombia officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, marking a significant diplomatic step with the presence of Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bolivar Escobar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. The new ambassador took up her post after a three-year gap during which Bogotá lacked an ambassador to Israel, a situation attributed to former President Gustavo Petro's stance on Israel and the Gaza war. Her appointment follows the recent presidential election victory of Abelardo de la Espriella.

The embassy is located in the historic Salamah Building on Rehov Akiva Street, a structure originally built in the 1920s by Arab-Christian businessman Constantino Salamah and later housed the renowned Goldschmidt Hotel in the 1930s. Both foreign ministers participated in affixing a mezuzah to the entrance.

Minister Escobar emphasized the renewal of bilateral relations, stating, "We are renewing relations with greater strength, rebuilding the strategic connection and strengthening Colombia's presence in Israel. The inauguration of the embassy in Jerusalem expresses this." He highlighted shared challenges in combating terrorism and organized crime, noting, "Security is a top priority for both nations." Escobar also pointed to potential collaborations in innovation, aiming to connect universities and research centers to develop AI applications.

Foreign Minister Sa'ar hailed the event as historic, calling Colombia a "sister nation" and a strategic partner. He noted that this is the tenth embassy to open in Jerusalem during his tenure, doubling the previous number in just two years. Sa'ar asserted that establishing an embassy in Jerusalem is not only recognition of the city as Israel's capital but also acknowledgment of undeniable historical fact, and pledged to work towards more countries relocating their embassies.

Ambassador expressed optimism, stating that even during the previous administration's strained relations, business and personal ties persisted. She affirmed the new president's commitment to restoring relations and moving the embassy, adding, "Colombia is committed to an alliance with Israel. We are two nations with peoples fighting crime, terror, and things that divide us. Both countries can build something great together."

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion welcomed the Colombian delegation, calling it a "holiday for Jerusalem" and inviting them to consider the city a home. He stated that the embassy's opening sends a clear message about Jerusalem's status as Israel's capital and strengthens its international standing.