The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, held a bilateral meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva, in which they agreed to strengthen ties between the two nations. In addition to the commercial field, they discussed security cooperation, the fight against drug trafficking and international collaboration.

Mulino expressed to Lula his commitment to strengthen relations between Panama and Brazil, emphasizing that both countries have a lot to offer each other. He highlighted the importance of the logistics platform of Panamanian ports next to the Panama Canal. “Count on Panama in international organizations. You have a friend in Panama,” Mulino said at the end of the MERCOSUR Summit.

During the meeting, they evaluated strategies for Panama to become an active member of MERCOSUR in the short term, considering options such as an intermediate phase or the negotiation of a treaty. Mulino also suggested that MERCOSUR invite Japan, South Korea, Singapore and India to join the bloc.

Lula informed Mulino that Brazil will soon assume the presidency of Interpol, to which the Panamanian president responded with the willingness to collaborate, sharing experiences and intelligence strategies.

Lula highlighted his work during his first terms to strengthen relations with Latin America. He stressed the importance of Panama and Brazil working together, exchanging experiences, promoting trade and investment, and bringing Brazilian entrepreneurs to Panama.