President Claudia Sheinbaum met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on July 15 [1] to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting underscores Mexico's strategic interest in maintaining stability and neutrality within the Panama Canal, a critical artery for global trade and regional security.
During the summit at the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, Sheinbaum praised the work of President Mulino and emphasized a desire to foster a deeper partnership. She said that Mexico and Panama are writing a new chapter of cooperation, trust, and friendship.
Central to the discussions was the status of the Panama Canal. Sheinbaum said that Mexico supports the neutrality of the waterway, which ensures it remains open and accessible to all nations regardless of political climate.
Sheinbaum also addressed the diplomatic efforts required to safeguard the Torrijos-Carter treaty, the agreement that guarantees Panama's control over the canal. According to reports from the meeting, Sheinbaum said that Mulino is maintaining conversations with Donald Trump to preserve the treaty's integrity.
This diplomatic outreach reflects a broader effort by both leaders to secure regional interests amidst shifting political dynamics in the U.S. The two presidents discussed ways to potentiate progress and friendship through joint initiatives and mutual support.
By affirming the neutrality of the canal, Mexico positions itself as a defender of international maritime law and Panamanian sovereignty. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue high-level dialogue to ensure long-term stability in the region.
“México y Panamá escriben un nuevo capítulo de cooperación, confianza y amistad.”
The emphasis on the Torrijos-Carter treaty suggests that Panama and Mexico are proactively managing their relationship with the US to prevent any unilateral challenges to the canal's neutrality. By publicly aligning, Sheinbaum and Mulino create a diplomatic bloc that reinforces the legal framework of Panamanian sovereignty over the waterway, mitigating risks of external political interference.
