Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar began a diplomatic visit to South America on Wednesday, traveling to Ecuador and Colombia.
The visit to Ecuador marks the first by an Israeli foreign minister in 44 years, according to the ministry.
Sa'ar is scheduled to attend Friday's inauguration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella in the southwestern city of Cali, where he will represent Israel. He plans to meet with leaders and senior officials from across the continent during the ceremony.
Two weeks prior, Sa'ar reached an agreement with Colombia's designated foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, to relocate Bogotá's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The arrangement includes an immediate exchange of ambassadors and reciprocal visa waivers, reversing the severing of ties that outgoing President Gustavo Petro initiated in May 2024.
"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."
