Ahead of his inauguration: New Colombian President meets with Minister Gideon Sa'ar

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with the new President of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, one day before his official inauguration. The meeting took place at the President's office in the city of Barranquilla, after he invited Sa'ar for a meeting and a private lunch.

The meeting lasted nearly three hours, during which the two discussed practical steps to establish political, security, and economic relations between Israel and Colombia. Sa'ar thanked the President for his decision to move the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem, and said:

"You have laid a brick in the walls of Jerusalem."

This is the second meeting between the President-elect and the Foreign Minister. The two previously met in Buenos Aires last November. Sa'ar will represent Israel today (Friday) at the inauguration ceremony of the new Colombian President, which is being held in the city of Cali.

The change in Israel-Colombia relations comes after a rift that lasted more than two years, led by outgoing President Gustavo Petro during the war in Gaza. About two weeks ago, Sa'ar met in Washington with the incoming Colombian Foreign Minister, Omar Bula Escobar.

At the meeting in Washington, the two agreed on a series of steps to renew relations, including the restoration of full diplomatic ties, the immediate appointment of ambassadors, the cancellation of visa requirements between the countries, and the relocation of the Colombian embassy to Jerusalem. It was also agreed to resume coal exports from Colombia, which had been canceled during the Petro presidency, as well as Colombia's withdrawal from South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice and from the "Hague Group."