US, Panama Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., July 17, 2024: U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken today met with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez in Washington D.C. and underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Panama.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) and Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha speak to the press in the Treaty Room of the State Department in Washington, DC, on July 17, 2024. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The meeting took place amidst the ongoing Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity conference, providing an important platform for discussing bilateral and regional issues.

Secretary Blinken highlighted the significance of the relationship between the two nations, emphasizing their collaboration on inclusive economic growth, modernizing economies, and addressing security and sustainability challenges.

“Panama has played and continues to play a very important role in international organizations in our hemisphere and around the world,” Blinken noted. He also praised Panama’s efforts in managing irregular migration safely, orderly, and humanely. Blinken expressed gratitude for Martínez-Acha’s immediate action upon taking office, mentioning his prompt agreement with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on repatriation.

Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha echoed these sentiments, stressing Panama’s commitment to democracy and cooperation with the United States. “It is an honor for Panama and for myself to be here,” he said, conveying President Mulino’s regards to Blinken. He reiterated Panama’s role as a member of the United Nations Security Council and its dedication to finding solutions to global issues.

“Panama as a member of the Security Council this year knows its role, knows the importance of trying to find solutions to the different problems in the world,” Martínez-Acha stated. He affirmed that under President Mulino’s leadership and with the support of the United States, Panama is prepared to tackle various challenges successfully.