Rosa Villavicencio assumes Colombia’s Foreign Ministry leadership, tasked with advancing peace, regional integration, and social justice, while an investigation unfolds over passport printing irregularities linked to the ministry.

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On July 9, 2025, Rosa Villavicencio officially took office as Colombia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs at Casa Nariño, marking a pivotal moment for the Petro administration’s foreign policy agenda. The Colombian presidency highlighted Villavicencio’s mission to continue consolidating a foreign policy centered on peace, regional integration, and global justice , key pillars aligned with progressive Latin American values.

Villavicencio succeeds Laura Camila Sarabia, who resigned on July 3 amid mounting scrutiny over alleged irregularities involving the company responsible for passport printing, a firm linked to the Foreign Ministry.

Villavicencio brings a strong academic and professional background to the role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, a specialization in International Development Cooperation from the Complutense University of Madrid, and a Master’s degree in Migration and Intercommunity Relations. Her work defending vulnerable and marginalized groups, particularly migrants, has earned her recognition as one of Colombia’s foremost advocates for social inclusion.

Her appointment signals a commitment to a foreign policy that prioritizes human rights, regional solidarity, and the protection of displaced populations , values deeply resonant with left-wing and progressive movements across Latin America.

#AEstaHora | En la @Casa_Narino, Rosa Villavicencio toma posesión como Canciller (e), con la tarea de continuar consolidando una política exterior enfocada en la paz, la integración regional y la justicia global. pic.twitter.com/79GqeOg0B7

— Presidencia Colombia 🇨🇴 (@infopresidencia) July 9, 2025

The text reads: #RightNow | At @Casa_Narino, Rosa Villavicencio is sworn in as Acting Foreign Minister, tasked with continuing to consolidate a foreign policy focused on peace, regional integration, and global justice.

The handover process, conducted on July 8 at the San Carlos Palace, involved outgoing Minister Laura Sarabia and Villavicencio. The transition is structured around four key fronts led by Sarabia: Administrative and Financial, Thematic, Passports, and Internal Disciplinary Control and Alerts. This framework aims to ensure continuity and transparency in ministry operations during a sensitive period.

The resignation of Sarabia came amid an ongoing investigation by Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office into alleged irregularities connected to the passport printing company tied to the Foreign Ministry. Sarabia publicly expressed confidence in the investigation, emphasizing that all decisions were made under presidential instructions to maintain service continuity responsibly.

Her statement underscores the administration’s willingness to address institutional challenges transparently, reinforcing the broader agenda of accountability and ethical governance championed by President Gustavo Petro’s government.

Villavicencio’s leadership arrives at a critical juncture for Colombia, as the country seeks to deepen regional integration within Latin America and assert a foreign policy grounded in peace, social justice, and cooperation

As Colombia navigates internal reforms and external diplomatic challenges, Villavicencio’s tenure promises to strengthen the country’s commitment to equitable international relations and the defense of human rights on the global stage.

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