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U.S. and Bolivia Move to Restore Full Diplomatic Ties After 17-Year Rift

The announcement at Rodrigo Paz’s inauguration sets up ambassador returns as preliminary talks open on a wider cooperation agenda.

Overview

  • U.S. Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau and President Rodrigo Paz jointly confirmed plans to reinstate ambassadors during a briefing in La Paz.
  • Both governments said technical working groups are forming to expand collaboration in education, public security, economic development, trade and investment.
  • No ambassadorial nominations or timelines were announced, with Landau expressing hope that appointments could be confirmed soon.
  • Bilateral relations were downgraded in 2008 after Evo Morales expelled U.S. ambassador Philip Goldberg, leaving missions led by chargés d’affaires.
  • Paz has pursued closer ties as part of an international reopening effort, while figures on the Bolivian left have voiced concerns about potential U.S. security agency involvement.