“Opening an embassy in Jerusalem is not only recognition of the simple political fact that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital. It is also recognition of a historical truth that no honest person can deny,” Sa’ar said.
By United with Israel Staff
Colombia officially inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, marking a major step in the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries and making it the 10th country with an embassy in Israel’s capital.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar attended the ceremony, during which the embassy sign was unveiled and Sa’ar affixed a mezuzah to the entrance of the building.
“This is the 10th embassy to open in Jerusalem. When I took office less than two years ago, there were only five,” Sa’ar said. “This is an important milestone and a major diplomatic achievement.”
The opening fulfills a pledge made by Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella before his election.
“Colombia’s President, Abelardo de la Espriella, told me long before his election: ‘If I am elected President, I will immediately move Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem,’” Sa’ar said. “He made a promise, and he kept it.”
Sa’ar said the move carries significance beyond the bilateral relationship.
“Opening an embassy in Jerusalem is not only recognition of the simple political fact that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital,” he said. “It is also recognition of a historical truth that no honest person can deny.”
Bula described Israel as a strategic partner and said the embassy opening represented a concrete step in repairing ties that were severed under the previous Colombian government.
“Today, we are taking a concrete step towards restoring diplomatic relations between our countries, relations that should never have been broken,” Bula said. “Israel is a strategic partner. It always has been, and from now on, it will be an even stronger one.”
Israel and Colombia formally re-established diplomatic relations in August, following a rupture in ties under former Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Bula arrived in Israel on Tuesday for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, innovation, security and other fields.
Welcoming the visit Tuesday, Sa’ar said the relationship had already undergone a dramatic turnaround.
“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,” Sa’ar said.
“I thank my friend, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, for his determination to bring Israel-Colombia relations to an all-time high,” he added. “I am confident that together we will achieve exactly that.”
Following Wednesday’s embassy ceremony, Sa’ar was set to host Bula for bilateral talks at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem.
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