Colombia's president-elect plans to close 14 embassies and 15 consulates
Colombia’s president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has announced his intention to close 14 embassies and 15 consulates as part of a reform of the country’s diplomatic network. Among others, this includes Colombia’s embassies in Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania, according to Euronews.
There are also plans to close diplomatic missions in Algeria, Barbados, Ethiopia, Haiti, Senegal, and South Africa. De la Esprieylla stated that the closures will not affect Colombia’s diplomatic relations with these countries.
The president-elect also promised to sever diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua upon taking office. De la Esprieylla’s inauguration is scheduled for August 7 in Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department.
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According to de la Espriel, the reform is intended to reduce budget expenditures and redirect resources toward security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. During the first 100 days of his term, he also plans to conduct a technical audit of the remaining diplomatic missions to assess the effectiveness of their operations.
In addition, the president-elect confirmed his intention to reopen the Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, restoring diplomatic relations with Israel following President Gustavo Petro’s 2024 decision. He also announced the opening of a new embassy in Nigeria.
