Colombia to shut 14 embassies and 15 consulates
President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella says the closures are part of a broader overhaul of Colombia's diplomatic network.
RastinewsColombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has announced that 14 embassies and 15 consulates will close as part of a restructuring of the country's diplomatic network.
In a video message posted on social media outlining the reform plan, De la Espriella said Colombia's embassies in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Romania will shut, along with diplomatic missions in Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Senegal and South Africa. He stressed that the move does not mean Colombia is severing diplomatic relations with those countries.
De la Espriella, who is set to take office on August 7, also reiterated that one of his new administration's first foreign policy decisions will be to cut diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua.
Speaking on social media after winning June's presidential election, De la Espriella said: "My government will have no relationship whatsoever with tyrannies," arguing for a break in ties with the governments in Havana and Managua.
The announcement comes as the United States steps up pressure on Cuba and Nicaragua. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said last week that the country would no longer hold elections.
De la Espriella said the closure of diplomatic missions is part of a wider reform aimed at cutting the costs of foreign representation and redirecting resources toward priorities such as security, health, education and infrastructure.
"Every peso we save from bureaucracy will be invested in security, health, education, infrastructure and, above all, in creating opportunities for the poorest," De la Espriella said, adding that a technical audit will be launched within his first 100 days in office to evaluate the effectiveness of the remaining diplomatic missions.
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The president-elect said Colombia needs a modern, efficient diplomacy that serves the national interest. "Colombia needs a modern and effective diplomacy that serves national interests, not politicization and bureaucracy," he said.
Israel and a push into Africa
De la Espriella announced that Colombia's embassy in Jerusalem, closed in 2024 under former President Gustavo Petro, will reopen, restoring diplomatic representation with Israel.
He also said Colombia will open a new embassy in Nigeria to strengthen its presence in Africa, a continent he described as offering "strategic opportunities."
Inauguration moves from Bogotá to Cali
President-elect De la Espriella confirmed that his August 7 inauguration will break with tradition and be held in Cali, capital of the Valle del Cauca department, instead of the capital, Bogotá.
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De la Espriella had earlier proposed holding the ceremony in Popayán but dropped the plan citing logistical and security concerns.
The decision drew criticism from outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who questioned why the ceremony would not be held at Bogotá's Plaza de Bolívar. Petro mockingly suggested Miami, where De la Espriella has a law office, as an alternative venue.
The change of venue comes amid rising security concerns in Colombia. During his campaign, De la Espriella made security a central issue, pledging to take a tougher line against armed groups and to end the "total peace" policy pursued under Petro, which sought negotiations with illegal armed organizations.
Kaynak: Euronews