Colombia’s incoming administration announced a foreign policy overhaul ahead of its August 7 inauguration, led by president-elect De La Espriella. According to the incoming government, the restructuring aims to reduce diplomatic spending by closing 14 embassies and roughly 15 consulates worldwide during an initial phase.
First Phase Embassies Targeted for Closure
The first wave of closures targets diplomatic missions in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Cuba, Czechia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Romania, Senegal, and South Africa.
In addition to these 14 embassies, the government plans to shut down approximately 15 consulates. The administration also suspended the previously planned opening of a diplomatic mission to Palestine.
Did you know?
According to the incoming administration, closing these missions does not mean severing diplomatic ties with most of the affected countries. Citizens living in nations losing an embassy will instead receive consular services through concurrent diplomatic representation from neighboring missions.
Shifting Relations with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Israel
While most embassy closures will maintain basic diplomatic channels, the administration intends to fully break formal ties with two nations. According to De La Espriella, Colombia will completely end formal diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua.
Conversely, the incoming government plans to restore what it calls a “historic alliance” with Israel, reversing the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Plans include reopening diplomatic relations with Israel, moving Colombia’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and boosting bilateral cooperation in both trade and security.
Redirecting Funds to Domestic Priorities
The restructuring is designed to make Colombia’s foreign service more efficient. According to the president-elect, financial savings generated by the closures will be redirected toward critical domestic priorities, including national security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The administration also announced a comprehensive review of all remaining Colombian diplomatic missions during its first 100 days in office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are losing Colombian embassies?
According to the incoming government, the 14 countries in the first phase are Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Cuba, Czechia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Romania, Senegal, and South Africa.
Are diplomatic ties being cut with all of these countries?
For the other nations, embassies will close, but diplomatic relations will continue via concurrent representation from neighboring missions.
Where will Colombia’s embassy in Israel be located?
Under the incoming administration’s planned policy reversal, the embassy will move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
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