“My Duty is to Protect Panamanians”: Mulino Responds to Fernández Over Trade Disagreement

The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, reacted with surprise to the statements made by the President of Costa Rica, Laura Fernández pictured below right, regarding the trade blockade maintained by both nations.  Mulino said that this issue is important for both countries and that his duty is to protect Panamanian products after a decade of blockades against Panamanian companies in Costa Rican territory.  Both countries have imposed restrictions on the entry of agricultural products.

The president revealed that last year, following a ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the then president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves pictured below, directly asked him not to appeal the decision.  “I told him it was impossible, that I have to protect our sector,” Mulino stated; at the same time, he explained that Panama proceeded with the appeal and made itself available to negotiate the trade shortcomings of both countries, but that this never materialized in a comprehensive way.  The president added that Costa Rica is our neighbor, a country with which we have always had good relations. 

“I have always believed that foreign policy should be conducted with discretion, moderation, and respect,” he emphasized.  On the other hand, the president denied that energy would be sold to Costa Rica, which had made the request during a recent meeting between the Minister of Commerce, Julio Molto, and authorities from the Energy Institute. “That request is being carefully evaluated by the government, but for now there are no energy sales,” he stated.  The president concluded by saying that international relations are based on prudence.