Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has announced plans to cut diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua and close 14 embassies including those in Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana and Ethiopia.
The move is seen as a major diplomatic overhaul of Colombia’s foreign service aimed at cutting costs and redirecting resources towards priorities such as security, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
Colombia’s new president will be sworn into office on August 7, shifting the country back to the right after four years under leftwing president Gustavo Petro, an ally of Havana, Managua, Algeria and Polisario.
Mr. Abelardo de la Espriella has praised the congratulations message he received from King Mohammed VI following his victory in the presidential election, saying the royal message was among the major international recognitions received after the announcement of the results of the vote.
In his congratulatory cable, the Moroccan Sovereign expressed the Kingdom’s willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation on the basis of constructive dialogue and mutual respect of the two countries’ sovereignty.
De la Espriella, 47, has responded favorably to the royal call to open a new chapter in bilateral relations in order to give a new impetus to cooperation between the two countries, citing in this regard the huge joint business and investment opportunities offered in trade, investment, food security, port development, Atlantic connectivity and several other sectors of common interest.
