Bolivia's Foreign Relations: Friends And Foes

Bolivia has traditionally maintained diplomatic relations with all hemispheric states except Chile. The country pursues a foreign policy with a heavy economic component and is a member of several international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Organization of American States. Bolivia has embassies in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, India, and Brazil, and is a signatory to multiple bilateral agreements. However, Bolivia's relations with some countries, such as the United States, have been strained at times due to political differences and disputes over drug policy and eradication efforts.

Bolivia's diplomatic relations with the United States

Bolivia and the United States established diplomatic relations in 1849, following Bolivia's independence from Spain. The United States is an important trade partner for Bolivia, with about $1 billion in bilateral goods trade in 2022. The United States exports mineral oils/fuels, plastic materials, food preparations, halogenated olefins, heavy machinery, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals to Bolivia. It also imports raw tin, mineral ores, cereals, nuts, and tungsten from Bolivia.

However, the relationship between the two countries has been strained at times. Beginning in 2008, the Bolivian government's decisions to expel the U.S. ambassador, law enforcement, and development cooperation agencies caused tension. The election of Evo Morales as president further complicated relations, as Morales campaigned against coca eradication, citing the legitimate uses of coca leaves in traditional Aymara and Quechua culture. This stance conflicted with the eradication policy of the United States. In 2008, the Bolivian government suspended the operations of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and expelled the US ambassador.

Despite these challenges, the United States maintains a strong and respectful relationship with the Bolivian people. The United States has provided assistance to Bolivia through organizations like USAID and supported the democratic success of Bolivia's October 2020 elections. However, concerns remain about anti-democratic actions and the politicization of the legal system in Bolivia.

Bolivia's diplomatic relations with Israel

Bolivia and Israel first established diplomatic relations in 1950, two years after the Israeli Declaration of Independence and one year after Bolivia recognised Israel's sovereignty. The two countries enjoyed generally stable and close ties until the 21st century, when Bolivia became increasingly opposed to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

In 2009, after 59 years of diplomatic ties, Bolivian President Evo Morales severed government-level relations with Israel, citing the Palestinian death toll in the Israeli military's "Operation Cast Lead" in the Gaza Strip. However, economic ties and a visa waiver program for travel between the two countries remained in place.

In 2014, following the outbreak of the Gaza War, Morales designated Israel as a "terrorist state", cancelled the visa waiver agreement, and promised to cut bilateral economic ties and ban Israelis from visiting Bolivia.

In 2019, Morales resigned from the presidency amid Bolivian protests. Bolivia's new Foreign Minister, Karen Longaric, announced the country's intention to resume diplomatic relations with Israel, a decision welcomed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry. This move was influenced by Brazilian leadership, which encouraged the renewal of relations between the two countries.

However, in 2023, Bolivia once again severed diplomatic ties with Israel due to its military actions in the Gaza Strip. Bolivian President Luis Arce described Israel's actions as "war crimes" and called for an immediate ceasefire. As of January 2024, there are no official diplomatic relations between Bolivia and Israel.

Bolivia's diplomatic relations with South American countries

Bolivia has traditionally maintained normal diplomatic relations with all hemispheric states except Chile. Bolivia lost its coastal province of Atacama to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883), straining relations between the two countries. Bolivia has also pushed for a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean, which has been a point of contention with Chile. Chile and Bolivia have maintained only consular relations since 1978 when territorial negotiations failed.

Bolivia has strong economic ties with Brazil, which is the main destination for exports from Bolivia. In 2007, Brazil bought 35.7% of the products that Bolivian companies sold to other countries. Bolivia and Brazil have been working to expand and diversify trade.

Bolivia has an embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and consulates in several cities, while Argentina has an embassy in La Paz and a consulate-general in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, among other consulates. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1858.

Bolivia established diplomatic relations with Peru in 1826 and has an embassy in Lima and consulates in several cities. Peru has an embassy in La Paz and consulates-general in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

Bolivia established diplomatic relations with the United States in 1849 following its independence from Spain. The United States is an important trade partner for Bolivia, with about $1 billion in bilateral goods trade in 2022. The United States is Bolivia's fifth-largest import market and eleventh-largest export market. However, relations have been strained in recent years due to differences over drug policy and the expulsion of the US ambassador, law enforcement, and development cooperation agencies by the Bolivian government.

Bolivia has also had diplomatic relations with other South American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Bolivia's diplomatic relations with Europe

Bolivia has traditionally maintained diplomatic relations with all hemispheric states except Chile. Foreign relations are handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Chancellor of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta. Bolivia has an embassy in Brussels, Belgium, which is the sole Bolivian representation located in the European Union.

Bolivia's relations with Chile have been strained since Bolivia's defeat in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) and its loss of the coastal province of Atacama. Bolivia lost its coast to Chile and became a landlocked country. The two countries have maintained only consular relations since 1978 when territorial negotiations failed. Bolivia still claims a corridor to the Pacific Ocean.

Bolivia has an embassy in Berlin, Germany. Diplomatic relations between the two states were broken during World War I. Relations were restored after the war under an agreement concluded on July 20, 1921.

Bolivia has an embassy in Paris, France. Bolivia is accredited to Denmark from its embassy in Berlin, Germany. Denmark is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.

Bolivia has an embassy in London, United Kingdom. Bolivia is accredited to Norway from its embassy in London, United Kingdom. Norway is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bolivia has an embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. The Netherlands is accredited to Bolivia from its embassy in Lima, Peru.

Bolivia has an embassy in Moscow, Russia. In 2009, amid improving relations between the two countries, Bolivia and Russia signed various agreements pertaining to energy and military ties, mining activities, and illegal drug eradication.

Bolivia has an embassy in Madrid, Spain. Bolivia has consulates-general in Barcelona, Bilbao, Murcia, Seville, and Valencia, and vice-consulates in Granada and Palma. Spain has an embassy in La Paz and a consulate-general in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. A diplomatic crisis with Spain in 2005 was quickly resolved by Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and Spain became the first European country visited by Evo Morales in January 2006. However, there remain issues surrounding the exploitation of oil and gas fields in the country by Spanish corporations like Repsol.

Bolivia's diplomatic relations with other countries in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States

Bolivia has traditionally maintained diplomatic relations with all hemispheric states except Chile. Bolivia's relations with Chile have been strained since the War of the Pacific (1879-1883) when Bolivia lost its coastal province of Atacama. Bolivia has also pursued a foreign policy with a heavy economic component, becoming more active in the Organization of American States (OAS), the Rio Group, and MERCOSUR.

Bolivia is a member of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which is a regional bloc of Latin American and Caribbean countries. Within CELAC, Bolivia has generally had positive relations with other member states. Here is an overview of Bolivia's diplomatic relations with some specific countries in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States:

• Argentina: Bolivia and Argentina established diplomatic relations in 1858. Both countries have embassies and consulates in each other's capitals and maintain good relations.
• Brazil: Bolivia and Brazil have worked to expand and diversify trade between the two countries. Brazil is the main destination for Bolivian exports and a significant source of imports. They are both members of MERCOSUR.
• Chile: As mentioned earlier, relations between Bolivia and Chile have been strained due to territorial disputes and the loss of Bolivia's coastal access. They only maintain consular relations.
• Colombia: Bolivia and Colombia established diplomatic relations in 1912 and have embassies in each other's capitals. They are both members of the Pacific Alliance.
• Cuba: Bolivia broke relations with Cuba in the 1960s due to the rise of Castro but resumed relations in 1985 under the Paz Estenssoro Administration.
• Ecuador: Bolivia and Ecuador established diplomatic relations in 1942 and have embassies in each other's capitals.
• Mexico: Bolivia and Mexico established diplomatic relations in 1831 and have embassies in each other's capitals. They have a history of cooperation and share membership in various regional organizations.
• Paraguay: Bolivia and Paraguay share a border and have had some territorial disputes in the past. However, they have worked to resolve these issues and maintain diplomatic relations.
• Peru: Bolivia and Peru established diplomatic relations in 1826 and have embassies and consulates in each other's countries. They share historical and cultural ties and collaborate on various issues.
• Uruguay: Bolivia and Uruguay established diplomatic relations in 1843 and have embassies in each other's capitals. They have a history of cooperation and collaborate in various regional organizations.
• Venezuela: Bolivia and Venezuela have had close relations, especially under the governments of Evo Morales and Hugo Chavez. However, there was a brief period of severed relations in 2019 during the political transition in Bolivia. Relations were reestablished in 2020.

Overall, Bolivia has generally maintained diplomatic relations with other countries in the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, despite some historical tensions and border disputes. The country has actively participated in regional organizations and sought to promote its policies on sustainable development and indigenous empowerment.

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