The Panamanian Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez-Acha, visited our country for a series of meetings with the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry.
Your country is a State associated with Mercosur since December 2024. It is the first nation outside of South America to integrate the bloc created in 1991 by Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
Are we facing a relaunch of relations between Paraguay and Panama?
-Yes, indeed. This is not a diplomatic accident, there is coherence here between both governments. We are defenders of the rule of law and international law. We have common priorities, for example, the fight against organized crime, the development of the prosperity of our people and cooperation in different aspects, to name a few: education, food security and culture.
My country believes very much in useful multilateralism. What’s that? That we cannot continue attending large international forums and expect all countries to agree on all points. But beyond the differences in ideologies, we must look for the common term that can provoke conditions, factors, so that Latin America advances efficiently and with a firm step to create better conditions for our people.
Read more: Southern Common Market (Mercosur)
Of this relaunch of relations, does trade stand out in particular?
-We are building the foundations so that commercial exchange increases in both ways. Until recently the trade balance between Paraguay and Panama was very small.
I can inform you that our government has already certified meat export plants in Paraguay for elite cuts. We are offering the logistics structure of Panama. We are trying to convince the large agricultural producers of Paraguay – meat, soy or others – so that in Panama establish redistribution and export centers (hub) for regions of the Caribbean, Central America and why not, for Asia from Panama.
We have also talked about a transfer of technology and genetics. We want to little by little develop these aspects in our country. We are talking about three bovine breeds. Paraguay is very willing to help us in this situation.
Among the latest events, Panama’s accession to Mercosur stands out. Why the interest in this block? What can Mercosur offer you?
– It is a relationship that produces and will produce benefits for Mercosur. We are a perfect complement. Mercosur, which represents a market of almost 300 million people, could become Panama’s first partner in different products.
But beyond what we are talking about, Panama – with its great logistics structure and thanks to its efficiency – can be the platform for transportation from the entire Mercosur to other geographies.
This accession, in particular, occurred more quickly.
– It must be said that we had the support of Paraguay from day one, with President Santiago Peña and Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez. They invited us and the context of establishing links with strategic partners in terms of trade we came immediately. We did the path to becoming an associate member in an efficient way, in a short period of time.
Could it be attributed to a combination of factors?
-A series of factors occurred in a political, regional and economic context that also contributed to the accession. But we were efficient in all parts so that Panama’s instrument – as an associated State – was prepared and approved in a relatively short period of time. He supported us a lot in Brazil, also Uruguay with the then president Luis Lacalle Pou.
A particular context of US foreign policy with Latin America is taking place. How is the relationship with your country? What view do you have on the “Donroe” doctrine?
– Historically we have had a very close relationship, except for specific episodes in the 20th century. The United States has been our main trading partner in terms of security, exchange, technology, etc. Indeed, they are defining their political priorities and that must be respected. The president donald trump He won an election democratically and within the circumstances that are being rewritten or redefined globally, we adapt to those circumstances, always respecting the rule of law, the norms and the sovereignty of the countries.
We have a privileged relationship with the United States and the intention is for this to be maintained permanently.
Does that include the “Monroe” doctrine? Updated by President Trump regarding Latin America.
– In terms of security, the fight against drug trafficking and security threats, I feel that regardless of whether there is a Donroe or Monroe doctrine, countries have to cooperate, countries have to understand each other. We see the world – at this moment – in a period of inflection, of redefinition. It is fragmenting, perhaps reorganizing in the area of influence, but our country has a neutral and active vision, respect for international law and cooperation. Panama is a predictable partner. That is what we want with the United States, with Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Spain, etc.
Read more: Mercosur-EU Agreement is one step away from its provisional entry into force
China-Panama. The latest events show a scenario of the crisis due to the stranded Panamanian ships. Is that situation resolved?
-We want to be clear on this, we are not looking for a confrontation, we do not want to be involved in international controversies between superpowers. We simply demand clear rules and respect for the rule of law and that if there are arrests and inspections of ships with Panamanian flags that respond only to technical criteria, because within maritime activity these situations can occur.
Now, if the numbers are disproportionate, then one could conclude that there is a reaction to a ruling by the Supreme Court of Panama that we have been forced to abide by because we are a country that respects the rule of law and the separation of all powers.
We only ask for clear rules and predictability and for it to be known that when the merchant marine of any country is affected, it could be affecting the stability of world trade, predictability in trade and Panama simply demands that the rule of law be respected, an important factor in free navigation and of course international law.
Were you able to corroborate these technical data?
– Yes, there was a disproportionate increase last March compared to February of this year and compared to March of last year. We simply ask that these actions be based on strictly technical criteria and not on what one could conclude is some type of reaction to a ruling, I repeat, of the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama.
viviana@abc.com.py
