Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean Maximiliano Reyes concludes travel to Panama

Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean Maximiliano Reyes concludes travel to Panama

Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean Maximiliano Reyes today concluded his visit to Panama, made to evaluate the bilateral relationship and promote cooperation and the two countries' political, economic and commercial ties, in light of the upcoming entry into force of the Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Meeting with Panama's Foreign Minister, Janaina Tewaney Mencomo, Undersecretary Reyes highlighted the excellent state of the bilateral relationship and the fact that the commitments reached by Presidents Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Laurentino Cortizo during the visit of the Panamanian president to Mexico in October 2018 had been met.

The two officials discussed the regional problem of inflation, the Ibero-American Women Mediators Network, and the challenges faced by both countries due to the increased irregular migration. They agreed to promote a regional dialogue to find solutions for safe, orderly and regular migration.

They agreed to actively promote the relationship under the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which was recently ratified by both countries' legislatures, and to hold the first meeting of the Partnership Council at midyear in Mexico City. They also agreed to carry out academic and cultural activities in 2024 to mark 120 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Regarding bilateral trade, they welcomed Mexico's successful participation in Expocomer 2023 held in Panama last month. Twelve exhibitors from the State of Mexico and Yucatan participated, with about 40 Mexican business executives participating in various trade missions and business meetings. They expressed their hope that Mexico would increase its participation next year, with the inclusion of even more Mexican states.

Subsequently, Undersecretary Reyes and the Director of the Public Registry of Panama, Bayardo Antonio Ortega, signed an "Agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States and the Public Registry of Panama on Cultural Cooperation, Preservation and Access to Digital Heritage."

The Undersecretary for Latin America and the Caribbean laid a wreath at the Benito Juárez monument, which is located in a park of the same name in Panama City.

Next year marks the 120th anniversary of the establishment of formal relations between Mexico and Panama, an uninterrupted period that has forged a historic bond of friendship with strong economic, cultural and social ties. For more than a century, the two countries have shaped a relationship that includes signing many agreements and conventions, crowned five years ago with the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement, which gave new impetus to bilateral trade and investment.