JERUSALEM, July 15 (Xinhua) -- Israel and Colombia's incoming government have agreed to restore full diplomatic relations, more than two year after ties were severed over Israel's military operations in Gaza, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
The move comes as Colombia prepares for a change of administration, with President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella due to take office in August.
In a statement, the Israeli ministry said that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombia's incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, met in Washington and agreed to "fully reestablish diplomatic and economic relations" and to exchange ambassadors.
Escobar confirmed that Colombia plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem, according to a statement from Sa'ar's office.
The two sides further agreed to lift visa requirements for bilateral travel, the statement added.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced in May 2024 that Colombia would sever its ties with Israel, accusing its government of committing genocide in Gaza, an allegation Israel rejects.
Israel's ambassador left Colombia the following month, and Colombia's ambassador, recalled for consultations in October 2023, formally ended her mission in late June 2024. ■
