Colombia announced yesterday the opening of an embassy in New Zealand. Isaura Duarte, former Colombian Consul to Ecuador, has been appointed as Ambassador to the country.
This decision aligns with President Gustavo Petro’s foreign policy of expanding Colombia’s diplomatic network to amplify the country’s voice in international affairs.
Colombia’s new embassy in New Zealand reinforces global diplomatic network
Until now, Colombia’s diplomatic functions in New Zealand were managed by the Colombian Ambassador to Australia, alongside a small consulate located in Auckland. Relations between Colombia and New Zealand have primarily revolved around modest trade exchanges and the Colombian diaspora in New Zealand.
The most recent official data on Colombians in New Zealand comes from a 2018 census, which recorded 1,620 Colombian citizens residing there. However, the current figure is likely much higher, numbering in the thousands, with most living in the two largest cities, Wellington and Auckland.
In terms of trade, bilateral exchanges remain limited, amounting to approximately $40 million annually, according to OEC.com. These exchanges mainly involve Colombian coffee exports and imports of New Zealand kaolin-coated paper.
The establishment of an embassy in New Zealand is part of Colombia’s broader strategy to expand its diplomatic network. One of President Gustavo Petro’s key goals is to ensure that Colombia’s voice carries weight on the international stage. This strategy includes taking firm and distinctive stances on major global issues, such as the environment—evidenced by Colombia hosting COP16—and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighted by the severing of diplomatic ties with Israel. Extending Colombia’s diplomatic presence globally is also a significant part of this vision.
Despite Colombia’s budgetary challenges, the diplomatic sector has not been overlooked. In addition to New Zealand, Colombia has recently opened or plans to open nine other embassies in the Americas (Guyana and Barbados), Europe (Czech Republic and Romania), Africa (Angola, Ethiopia, and Senegal), and Asia (Palestine and Saudi Arabia).