New Colombian president to close embassies in 15 countries, including Azerbaijan

Colombia's president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella announced the mass closure of embassies in various countries around the world.

He made this statement during a speech that was broadcast on his page on the social network X.

The list includes diplomatic missions from different parts of the globe. These are both countries in the region — Cuba, Haiti, Barbados and Nicaragua — as well as more distant states — Azerbaijan, Czechia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Hungary, Malaysia, Romania, Senegal, South Africa and Algeria.

The future leader of Colombia noted that he will also cancel the decision to open a Colombian embassy in Palestine, which has not yet begun its work.

At the same time, he indicated that the closure of embassies does not mean the severance of diplomatic relations with the listed countries, with the exception of Cuba and Nicaragua.

Incidentally, the future head of Colombia's Foreign Ministry, Omar Bula Escobar, had previously also spoken about the possible closure of embassies in a number of countries. However, he assured that Bogota intends to maintain "constructive relations" with neighboring Venezuela. Bula Escobar also confirmed that the Colombian authorities will immediately restore diplomatic relations with Israel, which were severed in May 2024 by decision of the current president Gustavo Petro.

It is noted that de la Espriella was elected president of Colombia in the second round of elections, which took place on June 21. He will take office on August 7.