Colombia's far-right president Abelardo de la Espriella recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights on Monday.

“The Government of Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as that State’s right to protect itself against external threats,” read an online statement.

It added that “Colombia recognises that maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defence".

President de la Espriella, who was inaugurated last week, has vouched to reverse the policies of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro.

Colombia is the second country to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the only other being the US.

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar thanked his “good friend” de la Espriella for the “historic” recognition.