Vivian Aisen will serve as Israel’s next ambassador to Colombia following the government’s unanimous approval of her appointment, the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.
Aisen, who previously served as ambassador to Macedonia, was appointed as part of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s efforts to renew and restore relations between Israel and Colombia amid warming ties between Israel and Latin American countries.
Aisen also previously headed the Foreign Ministry’s Central America Department and served at Israel’s embassies in London and Chile, as well as at its missions in Brussels and to the European Union.
"We are living through a very special moment in the relations between our two countries. I am convinced that we will work together for the prosperity of our nations and the well-being of our peoples," said Aisen in an X/Twitter post, adding that she is "eager and excited at the prospect of soon assuming my duties and representing Israel in Colombia."
Fully restoring diplomatic relations after severed ties over Gaza
Sa’ar spoke with Colombian president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella and met with Omar Bula Escobar, Colombia’s designated foreign minister, to discuss on the new direction in bilateral relations on July 16.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024 over Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Israel and Colombia are expected to fully restore diplomatic relations following the inauguration of Colombia’s new president on August 7. The process will include the immediate appointment of ambassadors, the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and a series of additional joint initiatives.
Late last month, lawmakers from Latin American countries signed a resolution supporting the expansion of the Isaac Accords and calling for greater regional cooperation with Israel. The resolution also renewed efforts to encourage additional Latin American countries to move their embassies to Jerusalem.
Representatives from Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Panama participated in the Latin America Chairmen’s Conference in Buenos Aires.
The Foreign Ministry also announced the appointment of Nissan Amdur, who was selected to serve as Israel’s ambassador to Croatia, as the country's nonresident ambassador to North Macedonia, replacing Aisen.
The appointments were approved by the Ministerial Committee for Appointments in the Foreign Service, chaired by Sa’ar, before receiving final government approval.
Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.