Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino used Mulino’s official visit to Brasília on Thursday to reaffirm a path toward closer bilateral ties. Lula signed acts and addressed the press at the Palácio do Planalto, saying Mulino’s visit marks the restart of friendship between Brazil and Panama and expressing hope to host Mulino and his delegation during COP-30.
In his remarks, Lula highlighted difficulties in the Brazil–Panama relationship in recent years but framed Mulino’s presence as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation. He said, “We are strengthening the ties between the largest economy and the main logistics hub of Latin America and the Caribbean. We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and regional integration. This is particularly relevant at one of the region’s most critical moments.”
Lula also warned against attempts to restore old hegemonies, describing them as threats to freedom and self-determination and noting that interference pressures democratic institutions and jeopardizes an integrated, developed, and autonomous continent.
As part of the visit, the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports, led by Silvio Costa Filho, signed a memorandum of understanding with Panama’s Canal Authority, represented by José Ramón Icaza. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between Brazil’s port and aviation agencies and Panama’s canal authority through experience exchange, sharing information on canal operations, and studying the use of new routes, including Panama’s canal for Brazilian maritime transport.
Other signings included memoranda of understanding in Agriculture and Livestock, covering technical capacity building, animal and plant health, and innovation in production practices.
During the agenda, an agreement was announced for the sale of Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Panama’s national naval aviation service. The deal was signed by Embraer’s Defense and Security president, João Bosco Costa Júnior.
The meeting began at 10:00 a.m. and included a lunch at the Itamaraty Palace.
Additional context and analysis:
– The visit signals Brazil’s intent to deepen regional logistics, trade, and security cooperation, with a particular emphasis on the Panama Canal as a key transit route for Brazilian goods.
– The MOUs in canal cooperation and agriculture reflect a broader strategy to boost technical collaboration and knowledge exchange in critical sectors.
– The Super Tucano sale underscores growing defense and security ties between Brazil and Panama, potentially enhancing Panama’s maritime and aviation capabilities.
Summary:
Brazil and Panama used Mulino’s visit to reaffirm friendship, sign cooperation deals on canal operations and agriculture, and announce a defense aircraft sale, signaling a broader push for regional integration and strengthened logistical and security ties ahead of COP-30.
Positive outlook:
This development could bolster regional trade and infrastructure cooperation, support sustainable development goals, and enhance Brazil’s role as a regional partner in logistics, agriculture, and security.