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Politics

Colombia and Venezuela Start Rebuilding Diplomatic Relations

  • Diplomatic delegations in both countries to be restored
  • Borders will be gradually open, Venezuelan official said
Gustavo Petro, president-elect of Colombia.

Gustavo Petro, president-elect of Colombia.

Photographer: Nathalia Angarita/Bloomberg

Venezuela and Colombia will exchange ambassadors next month, starting the process of reestablishing diplomatic ties after years of mistrust and hostility. 

The governments plan to reopen consulates shortly after Gustavo Petro is sworn in as Colombia’s president on August 7, incoming Colombian Foreign Affairs Minister Alvaro Leyva said Thursday, speaking in Tachira state on Venezuela’s side of the border.