Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar began a diplomatic visit to South America on Wednesday, with stops in Ecuador and Colombia aimed at strengthening Israel’s diplomatic engagement across Latin America.
The visit includes official meetings with government leaders and senior officials, as well as Sa’ar’s participation in Friday’s inauguration ceremony of Colombia’s President Abelardo de la Espriella, where he will represent the State of Israel.
During the inauguration events, Sa’ar is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with political leaders and senior officials from across the continent as part of Israel’s broader diplomatic outreach in the region.
Sa’ar begins South America tour with landmark Ecuador visit
The visit follows an announcement made two weeks ago that Sa’ar and Colombia’s designated foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, reached an agreement to relocate Colombia’s embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, marking a significant development in bilateral relations.
Before traveling to Colombia, Sa’ar is making an official visit to Ecuador. According to the Foreign Ministry, the trip marks the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to the country in 44 years.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Sa’ar said Israel has made significant progress in rebuilding and expanding its relationships throughout Latin America.
“Through determined and systematic diplomatic efforts, we have succeeded in strengthening and renewing Israel’s relations with many countries across Latin America,” Sa’ar said.
“We are continuing our effort to bring Latin America closer to Israel. Israel and its citizens will benefit from this in every sphere, diplomatically, economically, and through tourism.”
The Foreign Ministry said the visit reflects Israel’s continued efforts to deepen diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties with countries throughout the region while expanding cooperation with longstanding and emerging partners.
