BOGOTA.- The breakdown of diplomatic relations between Israel and Colombia It will not affect the commercial activity that both countries maintain and which implies a free trade agreement, a diplomatic source indicated on Monday.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro decided to break relations with the Israeli government last week in protest of its war actions in the Gaza Strip, which he considers a “genocide.”
On Thursday, Colombia delivered a verbal note to the Israeli ambassador in Bogotá about the decision that implies the departure of diplomatic personnel, while maintaining consular attention. However, the scope of trade and cooperation was not publicly disclosed.
Political, not commercial, rupture
The Colombian ambassador to Israel, Margarita Manjarrez, explained that the break in diplomatic relations is limited to the “political sphere”, which is why consular services and attention are maintained in both countries and “commercial activity continues its course.”
When consulted embassy Israeli in Bogotá declined to comment on the matter.
The free trade agreement was the result of a long process that began in Jerusalem in 2013 and ended in 2020, when it came into force after being approved by Congress and the Colombian Constitutional Court.
The agreement implies tariff advantages for exports, the creation of a broader market and the increase in non-mining energy exports.
According to the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, exports to Israel reached $499 million last year, which represented a 53% drop compared to the previous year, with products such as coal, coffee, flowers, candy and parts for airplanes and helicopters.
On the other hand, Colombia buys machines, electrical equipment, plastics, fertilizers and manufacturing from Israel. In 2023, imports from that country represented 90 million dollars, 54% less compared to 2022.
Colombia is the third country in Latin America to break relations with Israel after the start of that country’s war with the terrorist group Hamas. Bolivia decided in October, asserting that Israel was committing “crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people,” and Belize made the determination in November after questioning Israel over Israel’s military action against Hamas.
Terrorists from the Islamic group entered Israeli territory on October 7, the deadliest attack it has suffered since the Holocaust. More than 1,300 Israelis were killed and 25 people kidnapped, 130 being held by Hamas.
The closest relationship between Colombia and Israel is the military one, because the Armed Forces that fight illegal groups in the Andean country use equipment of Israeli origin, as well as KFIR model aircraft, fighter-bombers that are part of the attack and defense fleet. air since the 1980s. The parties have not clarified whether or not million-dollar contracts for the maintenance of aircraft and missile systems will be suspended.
Source: AP
