BOGOTA, Colombia (VINnews) – Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de La Espriella, said Sunday that his government intends to strengthen relations with Israel and described the country as a potential partner in combating terrorism and organized crime.

De La Espriella, who took office Aug. 7, made the comments on X while responding to congratulations from Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon.

“Israel will find in Colombia a friend and a determined ally in the fight against terrorism and organized crime,” de La Espriella wrote, adding that Colombia could learn from the experience of other countries as it seeks to improve its security policies and prison system.

Thank you, @dannydanon, for your warm words.

Colombia and Israel share a friendship that we are determined to strengthen. This new chapter will bring new opportunities for cooperation, innovation, security, and prosperity for both our peoples.

From Colombia to Jerusalem, we… https://t.co/nE5DUEYxC4

— Abelardo De La Espriella (@ABDELAESPRIELLA) August 9, 2026

The Colombian president also responded to a message from Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who invited him to visit Israel and observe changes implemented in the country’s prison system, including tougher measures involving convicted terrorists.

De La Espriella said Colombia was entering a new period in its relationship with Israel and pledged that the two countries’ friendship would grow stronger.

The remarks represent a sharp shift in tone from Colombia’s previous government, which under former President Gustavo Petro adopted a highly critical position toward Israel and suspended diplomatic relations with Jerusalem in 2024 over the war in Gaza.

During his campaign, de La Espriella made security and the fight against organized crime central themes, promising a tougher response to violence that has plagued parts of Colombia.

His government is expected to focus on strengthening law enforcement and the prison system, areas in which he suggested Israel could provide useful experience.

The president’s comments came shortly after taking office, signaling that closer cooperation with Israel could become part of his administration’s broader security agenda.