Colombia, Venezuela poised to restore diplomatic relations

Colombia and Venezuela will reestablish relations after years of tensions, the foreign ministers of the two countries announced Thursday.

Colombia’s Minister-Designate of Foreign Affairs Alvaro Leyva met with his Venezuelan counterpart Carlos Faria in the Venezuelan state of Tachira.

They announced in a joint declaration that as of Aug. 7, when Colombia’s newly elected President Gustavo Petro takes office, ambassadors will be appointed and consulates will reopen.