Bogota, Aug. 11 -- Colombia has recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, joining the United States as the only other country to formally recognise Israel's annexation of the territory, days after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took office.

In a statement issued on Monday, Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken against the backdrop of continued instability in the Middle East and what it described as the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel's security.

"Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights for Israel's security, the Government of Colombia recognises Israeli sovereignty...