Colombia Restores Visa Waiver for Israelis Following Golan Sovereignty Recognition
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Israel and Colombia have restored a reciprocal visa waiver effective September 1, following Colombia's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The two countries agreed to renew full diplomatic ties, including embassy relocation and trade resumption, after a two-year diplomatic freeze. Israel also continues humanitarian aid in Colombia amid recent earthquakes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Colombia reinstates reciprocal visa waiver for Israeli tourists starting September 1.
- Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights ten days before the visa waiver announcement.
- Israel and Colombia agreed to restore full diplomatic relations and appoint ambassadors immediately.
- Colombia will move its embassy to Jerusalem and resume coal exports to Israel.
- Colombia withdrew support for South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
- Israel deployed a humanitarian aid mission to Colombia following recent earthquakes.
Israel and Colombia have taken a significant step in strengthening their bilateral relations, marked by the reinstatement of a reciprocal visa waiver for tourists starting September 1. This development follows Colombia's recent recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, announced just ten days prior. The improvement in ties comes after a diplomatic freeze lasting over two years during the presidency of Gustavo Petro.
The renewed cooperation was solidified through discussions between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. Agreements include the restoration of full diplomatic relations, immediate ambassadorial appointments, relocating the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem, resuming Colombian coal exports to Israel, and Colombia withdrawing its support for South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and the "Group of Friends of the ICC."
Alongside diplomatic advancements, Israel continues humanitarian support in Colombia, deploying a rescue and aid delegation from the Foreign Ministry and Home Front Command to assist earthquake victims. Foreign Minister Sa'ar has designated 2026 as the "Latin America Year" at the Israeli Foreign Ministry to focus on deepening ties with Latin American countries, with the Israel-Colombia relationship serving as a key example of this strategic outreach.
Mentioned
