Vivian Aisen has been unanimously approved as Israel’s next ambassador to Colombia as part of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s push to restore and strengthen ties with Latin America. Aisen brings extensive diplomatic experience, including roles in North Macedonia, Central America, London, Santiago and Brussels. Israeli and Colombian officials expect to fully restore relations after Colombia’s new president is inaugurated on August 7, with immediate ambassador exchanges and the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem planned.
Vivian Aisen Appointed Israel’s Ambassador to Colombia as Ties With Latin America Strengthen
Vivian Aisen, newly appointed to be abassador to Colombia, was previously the ambassador to Macedonia. She is seen here speaking at a joint Israeli-Macedonian event. (photo credit: Screenshot/X/Vivian Aisen)
The Israeli government has unanimously approved Vivian Aisen as Israel’s next ambassador to Colombia, the Foreign Ministry announced. The appointment is part of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s wider effort to renew and deepen ties with Colombia and other Latin American countries.
Experienced Diplomat
Aisen previously served as Israel’s ambassador to North Macedonia and has extensive regional and European experience. She led the Foreign Ministry’s Central America Department and has held posts at Israeli embassies in London and Santiago, as well as assignments in Brussels and at Israel’s mission to the European Union.
Diplomatic Reset With Colombia
Foreign Minister Sa’ar has engaged directly with Colombian officials about the new direction in bilateral relations. On July 16 he spoke with Colombia’s president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, and met with Omar Bula Escobar, Colombia’s designated foreign minister, to discuss next steps.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024 in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Israeli and Colombian officials, however, expect to fully restore relations following the inauguration of Colombia’s new president on August 7. The restoration plan is expected to include immediate ambassador exchanges, the opening of a Colombian embassy in Jerusalem, and a series of joint initiatives.
The Israeli and Columbian flags swirling together in unity, with a dove representing goodwill, posted by Ambassador Aisen. (credit: Screenshot/X/Vivian Aisen)
“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,”
— Vivian Aisen (posted on X)
Aisen also shared an image on X showing the Israeli and Colombian flags intertwined with a dove to symbolize goodwill.
Other Appointments And Regional Context
The Foreign Ministry also announced that Nissan Amdur, Israel’s ambassador to Croatia, will additionally serve as nonresident ambassador to North Macedonia, replacing Aisen in that role. Both nominations were approved by the Ministerial Committee for Appointments in the Foreign Service, chaired by Sa’ar, before receiving final government authorization.
Last month, lawmakers from across Latin America signed a resolution backing expansion of cooperation with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework and urged deeper regional ties. Delegates 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.
Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.
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