Sa’ar visits Ecuador, Colombia to strengthen Israel-Latin America ties

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar began a diplomatic visit on Wednesday to Ecuador and Colombia, where he will hold meetings aimed at strengthening Israel's relations across Latin America.

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.

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.

Sa’ar begins South America tour with landmark Ecuador visit

Before traveling to Colombia, Sa'ar made 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.

"Israel and Ecuador face common challenges. By deepening cooperation in counterterrorism, innovation, agriculture and trade, we are strengthening the partnership between our countries for the benefit of both our peoples," he wrote on X/Twitter after addressing Ecuador’s National Assembly.

In Ecuador, Sa'ar met with leaders of the local Jewish population.

"The Jewish community here has a long and proud history of contributing to Ecuadorian society while serving as a living bridge between Ecuador and Israel. I thanked them for their steadfast support for Israel," he wrote.

Sa'ar and the Jewish leaders discussed "the importance of standing up to antisemitism, challenging false narratives, and speaking with confidence and pride about Israel and the Jewish people."

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."