Colombia on Monday recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Axar.az reports, citing The Times of Israel, that the South American country’s new right-wing government made the announcement, making it only the second country in the world to officially endorse Israel’s claim to the disputed territory, after the US did so in 2019.

“Given the persistent regional instability in the Middle East and considering the strategic importance of the Golan Heights to Israel’s security, the Government of Colombia recognizes Israeli sovereignty over this territory, as well as Israel’s right to protect itself against external threats,” Colombia’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

“In this regional security context, Colombia recognizes that maintaining Israel’s control and sovereignty over the Golan Heights is an essential component of its national defense and its ability to protect and safeguard its citizens,” the statement said.

It should be noted that Israel captured the Golan Heights during the Six-Day War in 1967.