Embassy of Colombia, Caracas

10°29′32.30″N 66°51′45.00″W / 10.4923056°N 66.8625000°W / 10.4923056; -66.8625000 (Embajada de la República de Colombia)AmbassadorCarlos Cure Cure

The Embassy of Colombia in Caracas serves as the official diplomatic mission of the Republic of Colombia to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. This embassy represents Colombia's interests in Venezuela, facilitating diplomatic communication, fostering bilateral relations, and providing consular services to Colombian citizens residing or traveling in Venezuela.

The embassy is located in the Campo Alegre neighborhood, one of the more affluent and secure areas in Caracas, Venezuela's capital city. Campo Alegre is known for housing several other embassies and diplomatic missions, making it a central hub for international diplomacy in Venezuela. The embassy’s location in this prestigious neighborhood underscores the importance of the diplomatic relationship between Colombia and Venezuela, despite the historical fluctuations in their bilateral relations.

The Embassy of Colombia in Caracas plays a multifaceted role in managing the complex and often challenging relations between Colombia and Venezuela. The embassy is responsible for:

• Diplomatic Representation: Acting as the official representative of the Colombian government in Venezuela, the embassy works to maintain and strengthen diplomatic ties, engage in dialogue on regional issues, and promote cooperation on various fronts, including trade, security, and cultural exchange.
• Consular Services: The embassy provides a wide range of consular services to Colombian nationals in Venezuela. These services include issuing passports, processing visas, assisting with legal matters, and offering support in emergencies. The embassy also helps Colombians navigate the legal and bureaucratic systems in Venezuela.
• Economic and Trade Relations: The embassy is involved in promoting economic ties between Colombia and Venezuela, facilitating trade and investment opportunities, and supporting Colombian businesses operating in or seeking to enter the Venezuelan market. Despite economic and political challenges, the embassy continues to advocate for the mutual benefits of strong economic relations.
• Cultural Diplomacy: The embassy also engages in cultural diplomacy, organizing events and programs that promote Colombian culture, arts, and heritage in Venezuela. This cultural exchange helps to foster a greater understanding and appreciation between the peoples of the two nations.

The relationship between Colombia and Venezuela has historically been marked by periods of both cooperation and tension, often influenced by political, economic, and social factors. The Embassy of Colombia in Caracas has played a crucial role in managing these relations, particularly during times of diplomatic strain. The embassy’s work is vital in ensuring that dialogue continues even in challenging circumstances, and that the rights and interests of Colombian citizens are protected.

Over the years, the embassy has witnessed various phases in the Colombia-Venezuela relationship, from close collaboration on issues such as counter-narcotics efforts and regional security, to periods of diplomatic disputes and severed relations. In these contexts, the embassy has remained a key institution in navigating the complexities of bilateral relations.

The embassy is headed by the Ambassador of Colombia to Venezuela, who is appointed by the President of Colombia. The ambassador leads a team of diplomats and staff who work across various sections of the embassy, including political affairs, consular services, trade and economic relations, and cultural affairs. The ambassador's role is critical in maintaining open lines of communication with the Venezuelan government and in advancing Colombia's foreign policy objectives in Venezuela.

In recent years, the embassy has been at the center of significant diplomatic activity, particularly given the political and economic challenges facing Venezuela. The embassy has played a crucial role in responding to these challenges, including assisting Colombian nationals affected by the crisis in Venezuela, and engaging in diplomatic efforts to address regional security concerns.

The Embassy is also accredited to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and the Republic of Suriname.^[1] The Embassy is charged with representing the interests of the President and Government of Colombia, improving diplomatic relations between Colombia and the accredited countries, promoting and improving the image and standing of Colombia in the accredited nations, promoting the Culture of Colombia, encouraging and facilitating tourism to and from Colombia, and ensuring the safety of Colombians abroad.

After the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt Pedro Carmona, president of the Venezuelan Federation of Chambers of Commerce (FEDECAMARAS) who served briefly as interim President of Venezuela when Hugo Chávez was removed from power, was placed under house arrest, but he was able to gain asylum in the Colombian embassy after an anti-Chávez protest drew away his security detail.^[2]

During the 2008 Andean diplomatic crisis, on 3 March, Venezuela's foreign ministry released a statement announcing to expel Colombia's ambassador and all diplomatic staff at the Colombian embassy in Caracas.^[3]

• Colombia–Venezuela relations

• Embassy's Website (in Spanish)