Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s government has officially appointed Jorge Iván Ospina as the country’s first ambassador to the State of Palestine, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties.
The appointment comes as the Gaza crisis continues to draw international concern.
Colombia has now formalized its diplomatic presence with the establishment of an embassy in Ramallah.
Ospina, the former mayor of Cali—Colombia’s third most populous city—confirmed his appointment on his official X account.
In his post, he expressed gratitude to President Petro and Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, and pledged to “denounce the genocide that the Palestinian people are suffering today” and to advocate for “the freedom of those who live there.”