Panama’s Foreign Minister says the United States is Considering Adding Panama to its List of Visa-Free Countries

Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha revealed on Wednesday morning, January 14, that the United States is considering the possibility of allowing Panama to enter the US without a visa in the future.  During an interview on the program Cuarto Poder on RPC Canal 4, the foreign minister indicated that the issue was addressed within the framework of the recent meeting held with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.

The Panamanian foreign minister also reported that a possible meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and José Raúl Mulino is on the agenda, although he clarified that no date has yet been set.  “Yes, there is interest in both presidents meeting.  There is no specific date and it will depend on the schedule of both presidents,” he said.  According to Martínez-Acha, the meeting with Rubio acknowledged “President Mulino’s leadership in the region,” as well as his dialogue with governments in Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.

He added that the bilateral relationship is currently “very positive,” although he noted that both countries maintain their own interests.  The meeting also addressed issues related to regional security, such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and bilateral cooperation to reduce threats to democracies. Furthermore, Rubio reportedly expressed his appreciation for the migration policy promoted by Mulino.

“There was talk about the possibility, I emphasize, the possibility, that the United States will begin to analyze Panama as a country that will not require visas to enter the United States in the future,” said Martínez-Acha.