The president-elect of Colombia, Abelard of the Espriella, announced a profound reorganization of the country’s diplomatic network, which will come into effect after his inauguration, scheduled for August 7th. The plan includes the closure of 14 embassies and about 15 consulates, as part of a strategy aimed at reducing public administration costs and redefining the priorities of Colombian foreign policy.
According to the new head of state, the reform aims to make Colombia’s diplomatic presence around the world more efficient, concentrating resources in locations considered strategic and reducing those deemed less effective.
The embassies that will be closed
Among the diplomatic representations slated for closure are those located in Algeria, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Hungary, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Romania, Senegal, and South Africa.
The new government also announced the suspension of the plan to open a Colombian embassy in Palestine.
De la Espriella clarified that the closure of diplomatic missions will not automatically lead to the interruption of bilateral relations with the affected countries. The exceptions are: Cuba And Nicaragua, whose governments have been described by the president-elect as “tyrannies”, which is why the incoming administration does not intend to maintain official diplomatic relations.
Consular assistance guaranteed
Colombian citizens residing in the affected countries will continue to receive consular assistance through embassies and consulates located in neighboring countries. The goal is to maintain essential services while reducing the costs of operating the diplomatic network.
Reopening relations with Israel
Among the main novelties of the future foreign policy is the restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel. De la Espriella confirmed his intention to reopen the Colombian embassy in the country and to transfer its headquarters to Jerusalem, keeping a promise made during the election campaign.
The decision marks a clear change of direction compared to the previous administration and should become effective immediately after the new government takes office.
New diplomatic presence in Africa
In parallel with the closure of several offices, the government intends to open a new diplomatic mission in Nigeria, which will become the main point of reference for Colombia’s relations with numerous countries on the African continent.
Unified embassies to reduce costs
The reform also provides for the merger of some diplomatic representations to eliminate administrative duplication.
TO Paris, a single ambassador will represent Colombia both at the France both at theUNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The same model will be adopted in Rome, where a single ambassador will simultaneously lead the Colombian embassy in Italy and the permanent representation at the FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Review of the entire diplomatic network
In his first 100 days in office, the president-elect announced a comprehensive technical audit of all remaining Colombian embassies and consulates around the world.
The audit will evaluate management costs, results achieved, and the strategic utility of each location, with the aim of further optimizing the country’s international presence.
The resources will be allocated to public services
According to De la Espriella, the funds saved thanks to the reorganisation of the diplomatic network will be allocated to priority sectors such as safety, health, education and infrastructure.
“Every penny we save in bureaucracy will be a penny we can invest in security, health, education, infrastructure, and, above all, opportunities for the poorest citizens,” declared the president-elect.
The new administration maintains that Colombian foreign policy will be primarily oriented towards promotion of international investments, allopening of new markets and to the protection of Colombia’s economic and commercial interests in the global context.