The first official meeting between the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, and the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, addressed the sensitive issue of the migration crisis.  So far this year, more than 195,000 people have crossed the Darien jungle, and figures from the United Nations warn that this year, 2024, could see more than 800,000 people crossing the road heading north.  Both presidents addressed the issue of illegal migration, mainly generated by the departure of Venezuelans and now Ecuadorians. There is also the passage of Chinese, Haitians and Afghans among other nationalities.

The Colombian president said that if Venezuelan migration is stopped, the problem would be minimal. On Sunday, June 30, President Mulino met with Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, on the same issue. The bilateral meeting also addressed the pending issue of electrical interconnection between the two countries.   In response, Mulino and Petro agreed to schedule a bilateral meeting with the indigenous peoples of both countries to discuss the issue of electrical interconnection.  Mulino told Petro that he has always had a close relationship with Colombia, so his government will always be open to strengthening integration between the two countries. “My two neighboring countries are vital, no matter what happens. There is no problem that a good friendship cannot solve,” Mulino said.  President Petro arrived in Panama City on Sunday, June 30, to attend the inauguration of President Mulino.