Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar launched a diplomatic mission to South America on Wednesday, stopping in Ecuador and Colombia to enhance Israel's engagement across the region.

The itinerary features official discussions with top government figures and Sa'ar's role in Friday's inauguration of Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella as Israel's representative.

At the inauguration events, Sa'ar plans multiple bilateral talks with leaders and officials from the continent to advance Israel's outreach efforts.

This trip follows a recent accord between Sa'ar and Colombia's incoming foreign minister, Omar Bula Escobar, to shift Colombia's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a key step forward in ties.

Sa'ar Launches South America Journey with Historic Ecuador Stop

Prior to Colombia, Sa'ar completed an official stop in Ecuador, noted by the Foreign Ministry as the first such visit by an Israeli foreign minister in 44 years.

"Israel and Ecuador share similar challenges. Expanding work in counterterrorism, innovation, agriculture and trade builds the bond between our nations to the advantage of both peoples," he posted on X after speaking to Ecuador's National Assembly.

In Ecuador, Sa'ar connected with heads of the local Jewish community.

"The Jewish community here maintains a rich legacy of contributions to Ecuadorian life and acts as a bridge between Ecuador and Israel. I expressed gratitude for their consistent backing of Israel," he posted.

Sa'ar and community leaders addressed "the need to confront antisemitism, counter misleading stories, and speak with assurance and pride about Israel and the Jewish people."

Ahead of the trip, Sa'ar noted Israel's advances in restoring and growing relations in Latin America.

"Through focused diplomatic work, we have strengthened and renewed Israel's links with numerous countries in Latin America," Sa'ar said.

"We continue efforts to draw Latin America nearer to Israel. Israel and its citizens gain from this across diplomacy, economics, and tourism."