Bolivia seeks U.S. partnership, restores Israel ties
Bolivia’s new foreign minister, Fernando Aramayo, said during a Washington visit this week that La Paz is pivoting toward the United States for investment and technology transfers—especially in lithium—and away from reliance on China and alignment with Venezuela. Aramayo said he signed an agreement to reestablish diplomatic ties with Israel and warned about entrenched transnational criminal networks after years of 'narco authorities' in Bolivia.
📌 Key Facts
- Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo visited Washington 'this week' and says he signed an agreement to restore Bolivia–Israel relations.
- The new government under President Rodrigo Paz seeks U.S. investment and technology transfers to break China’s 'monopoly' over Bolivia’s lithium sector.
- Aramayo cited concerns over transnational cartels embedded in South America and emphasized diversifying away from Beijing and Caracas.
📊 Relevant Data
Bolivia has a total of 23 million metric tons in lithium reserves at its Uyuni, Coipasa and Pastos Grandes salt flats.
Bolivia signs $1 billion lithium deal with China's CBC Investments — S&P Global
In 2024, Bolivia's state-owned Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos lithium company signed contracts worth a combined $2 billion with Chinese and other companies.
Bolivia's shift to the right renews ambition to mine vast lithium reserves — Climate Change News
Coca cultivation in Bolivia reached 31,000 hectares in 2023.
Cocaine seizures in Bolivia increased by 62% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Drug trafficking in Bolivia: unresolved doubts and debts — Latinoamerica21
In Bolivia, indigenous communities account for about 44 percent of the population but represent 75 percent of multidimensionally poor people.
Poverty index reveals stark inequalities among ethnic groups — UNDP