Colombia’s Foreign Ministry announced Monday that it has recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, territory Israel had seized in the 1967 Six-Day War.

“In light of the persistent regional instability in the Middle East, and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as the right of that state to protect itself against external threats,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that it recognized that Israel has encountered security challenges along its border that threaten its very existence. In light of those challenges and the horrific Oct. 7 attack, the ministry said that Israel must continue to control the Golan Heights in order to be able to defend and protect its citizens.

The commitment was the result of an agreement between the two nations Saturday, the ministry added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar thanked Colombia on X, including the newly sworn-in president and the foreign minister in his thanks.

“Israel is a small country without strategic depth. Defensible borders are essential for it to ensure the existence of the Jewish people in its historic homeland,” he wrote.

Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, views Israel positively and promised better relations than those maintained under the previous anti-Israel president, Gustavo Petro, one of whose his last acts in office was to post “Heil Hitler” on his official social media account.