Panama and Mexico: 120 years of Connection

On March 1, 1904, Mexico welcomed the emancipation of Panama as a new independent republic, four months after Panama declared its independence.  That is why this year both countries are celebrating the 120th anniversary of this event that marked the future of a historical relationship characterized by closeness and affinities, sharing mutual sympathies in favor of demands such as sovereignty over the Interoceanic Canal; the creation of the Contadora group in the 1980s; as well as global concerns such as the Central American crisis.

There is much to celebrate in this connection.  In 2023 the Strategic Partnership Agreement was introduced, which will allow the creation of a contemporary institutional platform to give a real and committed boost to political, economic, commercial ties, as well as technical-scientific, cultural and educational cooperation.

Quick Facts

○  Mexico is one of Panama’s main trading partners (20th buyer and 3rd supplier).

○  Mexico and Panama have a free trade agreement that will celebrate 10 years of validity next year and that has contributed to increasing the trade balance of more than $1.2 billion annually.

○  More and more Mexican companies are joining to invest and generate employment in Panama.

○  Mexico is the sixth user of the Canal and the fifth supplier of the Colón Free Zone.

○  Mexican participation in the construction of the Sixaola bridge on the border between Panama and Costa Rica is a good example of horizontal cooperation that seeks to consolidate the integration of the Central American region.

As part of the actions to commemorate this anniversary, both governments agreed to develop a rich program of academic and cultural activities. Mexico hopes that with the arrival of the administration of the elected president, José Raúl Mulino, and the one that also inaugurates the new government of Mexico shortly, the bilateral relationship will intensify and be strengthened for 120 more years.