President Mulino’s First Year in Office – Panamanian Foreign Policy Achievements
Upon completing one year of management, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, presents advances that consolidate Panama’s position on the international scene. The Foreign Ministry consolidated alliances, trade agreements, and multilateral leadership.
During this period, the country’s foreign policy has been guided by the defense of national interests and the projection of Panama as a solid democracy and an open economy. This strategic vision has allowed it to strengthen alliances, attract investment, and relaunch relations with key players in the multilateral system. One of the most significant milestones has been Panama’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. This includes chairing the body in August 2025 and leading committees on climate change, Haiti, arms non-proliferation, and humanitarian support in Ukraine.
At the regional level, Panama joined MERCOSUR as an Associate State, gaining access to a market of more than 271 million people, representing an economic and political boost. It also made progress in the process of removing itself from discriminatory lists and formally requested membership in the OECD, reinforcing its commitment to global standards of transparency and governance. In addition, the country assumed temporary presidencies in bodies such as the OAS Counterterrorism Committee and the Committee on Hemispheric Security, SICA, and the Association of Caribbean States. Also noteworthy is the decision to halt irregular migration through the Darién in an orderly manner and in accordance with international law.
Trade Boost and International Cooperation
In terms of economic diplomacy, Panama secured a £5 billion line of credit from the United Kingdom for strategic infrastructure such as the Panama-Paso Canoas railway. Agreements were also signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency to strengthen sectors such as health and agriculture, in addition to receiving donations of equipment and training. India, for its part, contributed B/.250,000 for quick-impact projects. Currently, 106 cooperation projects are being implemented in areas such as health, education, innovation, climate change, and social equity. On the academic front, Panama received 1,189 scholarship offers and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Polytechnic University of Madrid for the development of skills in artificial intelligence.
Institutional Strengthening and External Projection
Internally, the Foreign Ministry made progress in professionalization with public competitions for new diplomats, staff rotation, and prioritizing career service. An example of active diplomacy was the humanitarian evacuation of Panamanians from Israel and Iran last June. Finally, Panama announced the opening of new embassies in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia, as well as with the FAO in Rome, strengthening its global presence. Furthermore, in November 2025, it will host the FIRST Global Challenge, a global robotics competition that will bring together 190 countries.
