Colombia's president-elect to close embassies in three European countries in diplomatic overhaul

Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has announced a significant overhaul of the country's diplomatic network, including the closure of 14 embassies and 15 consulates. Among the missions to be shut down are those in Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania. De la Espriella stated that this move is intended to cut costs and redirect resources towards domestic priorities such as security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

In addition to closing embassies, the president-elect vowed to sever diplomatic ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, citing their governments as "tyrannies." This decision aligns with increased pressure on Cuba and Nicaragua from the United States. De la Espriella also confirmed plans to reopen Colombia's embassy in Jerusalem, reversing a decision made by the previous administration, and to establish a new embassy in Nigeria to strengthen ties in Africa.

The inauguration ceremony for De la Espriella is scheduled for August 7 in Cali, a departure from tradition which typically holds the event in Bogotá. This change has drawn criticism from outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who questioned the venue choice amidst ongoing security concerns in Colombia, a key theme of De la Espriella's election campaign.