Colombia’s De la Espriella to Close 14 Embassies, Cut Ties With Cuba and Nicaragua

Colombia's incoming President Abelardo De la Espriella announced plans to close 14 embassies and 15 consulates, severing diplomatic relations with Cuba and Nicaragua. The president-elect, who took office on August 7, outlined these changes during a video message on social media, describing it as a fundamental shift in Colombia's foreign policy.

He argued that the country's diplomatic service had become bloated and ineffective, pledging to redirect budget cuts towards security and public investment. Colombia will maintain diplomatic ties with all other affected countries, with consular services for Colombian citizens continuing through neighboring embassies or alternative diplomatic offices.

De la Espriella confirmed that his government will reopen the Colombian embassy in Israel, ending former President Gustavo Petro's decision to sever relations in protest over Israel's military offensive in Gaza in 2024. Additionally, Colombia will establish a new embassy in Nigeria, aiming to enhance the country's diplomatic reach in Africa while improving regional efficiency.

The restructuring will involve merging diplomatic missions sharing the same location, such as combining the Colombian Embassy in France with the delegation to UNESCO in Paris and the embassy in Italy with Colombia's permanent representation to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome. De la Espriella emphasized that the savings from the reduced diplomatic network would be invested in security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

If approved by Congress, the inauguration ceremony will be held in Cali, marking a departure from the century-long tradition of inaugurating in Bogotá. The decision has been welcomed by regional leaders in Valle del Cauca, who view it as a recognition of the southwestern Colombian region.