Diplomacia discreta, acuerdos de seguridad y ecos de Noriega: el día del canciller en la Asamblea | La Prensa Panamá

Key Issues Discussed

Panama's Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, appeared before the National Assembly to address questions about Panama's foreign policy, particularly its relationship with the United States. Key topics included a new security memorandum of understanding with the US, the sovereignty of the Panama Canal, and the influence of China.

Security Memorandum of Understanding

Martínez-Acha defended the new security agreement with the US, arguing it was not a treaty and therefore did not require submission to the Assembly. He stated that the agreement established understandings, not binding obligations. However, some deputies disagreed, citing points in the document that resembled legally binding clauses.

Panama Canal Sovereignty

Concerns were raised about US intentions regarding the Panama Canal and the need to safeguard Panamanian sovereignty. Martínez-Acha asserted that no coercion had occurred and that Panama's diplomatic strategy, while discrete, did not mean a lack of resolve. He also mentioned efforts to increase adherence to the Neutrality Treaty's protocol.

US-Panama Relations

The minister described US-Panama relations as complex but not tense. He highlighted Panama's balanced approach to international relations: acknowledging the US as its primary trading partner and security ally, while seeking to navigate a balanced relationship with China. He noted concerns about China's influence but affirmed that diplomatic ties with China would not be broken.

Transparency and Diplomatic Strategy

The minister's emphasis on discreet diplomacy led to criticism from some deputies who raised concerns about transparency and access to information. The minister defended his approach, comparing the divulgence of diplomatic strategies to the public release of a political plan. He pointed to the lack of response from the US embassy to a formal complaint regarding a jointly issued statement that omitted Panama's sovereignty over the Canal.

Donald Trump's Statements

Martínez-Acha stated that he would not engage in the confrontational tone of former US President Donald Trump who had demanded free passage through the Panama Canal. Panama will, however, engage in diplomatic efforts through its embassy in Egypt to engage with the Suez Canal authorities.