EU Ambassador to Colombia to Leave Bogotá for New Diplomatic Post in Portugal

The European Union’s ambassador to Colombia has concluded her post as the top diplomat for the regional organization in Bogotá and will move on to a new role in her home country of Portugal.

Ana Paula Zacarias, who came to Colombia in 2015, has been appointed by the Portuguese government as the new secretary of state for European affairs. She has thus officially concluded her time as the ambassador to Colombia and will depart the country on July 29, the Delegation of the European Union in Colombia said in a statement.

Photo: Ana Paula Zacarias, the outgoing EU ambassador to Colombia, arrived in the country in 2015 and says she was honored to serve during the nation’s historic peace process. (Credit: Delegation of the European Union in Colombia)

In announcing her departure, Zacarias said that the European Union will continue to support Colombia as the nation continues on its historic transition following the peace accord signed late last year with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group.

A new ambassador has yet to be appointed, but the responsibilities of the position will be overseen by Rachel Brazier until a formal replacement is made, said the European Union.

“I am leaving with much nostalgia but also with a heart full of satisfaction,” said Zacarias. “To be in Colombia at this historic moment, when peace is consolidated after more than 50 years of conflict, is something that every human wishes to have lived — and not only as a witness but also as a participant in the service of the European Union.”

Before coming to Colombia, Zacarias previously served as the EU ambassador to Brazil. In three decades of international work, she has also held diplomatic posts in Washington, Paris, Brussels, and Estonia in addition to her time working in various roles within Portugal.