Israel appoints Vivian Aisen as ambassador to Colombia as diplomatic ties are restored

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the appointment of career diplomat Vivian Aisen as the country’s ambassador to Colombia. Aisen, a former ambassador to North Macedonia and former head of the ministry’s Central America department, was approved by the ministerial committee chaired by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

The move follows the announcement by Colombia’s president‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella that his administration will fully re‑establish diplomatic relations with Israel after the ties were severed in May 2024 over the Gaza conflict. Both sides have agreed to reopen embassies, appoint new ambassadors, and pursue joint projects in innovation, security and technology. Plans also include the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem and further regional cooperation advocated by a recent Latin‑American resolution supporting the Isaac Accords.

Meetings between Sa’ar, Colombia’s designated foreign minister Omar Bula Escobar and the incoming Colombian leadership set the roadmap for normalisation, expected to take effect after the new president’s inauguration on 7 August.