Colombia’s Inconsistent Relationship with the Middle East
Over the past decade, the Middle East and North Africa have become increasingly important markets for Colombian agricultural and mining exports, while Gulf countries have shown interest in investing in sectors such as agriculture and technology. However, Colombia’s foreign policy toward the Middle East has lacked a sustained strategy, with successive administrations redefining diplomatic and trade priorities. President Abelardo de la Espriella has pursued closer ties with the United States and Israel, reversing the diplomatic distancing promoted by the Petro administration. This shift perpetuates inconsistent relations with the region amid growing geopolitical uncertainty driven by the war with Iran.
This report examines Colombia's foreign policy toward the Middle East under the De la Espriella administration, its rapprochement with Israel, stalled investment from Arab countries, and the implications of the war with Iran for Gulf states. It also assesses Colombia's diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Drawing on this analysis, we outline prospective scenarios for Colombia's diplomatic engagement with the region and identify emerging trade and investment opportunities.
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