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Assembly Commemorates Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama

Assembly Commemorates Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama

From TVN Panamá · (17m ago) Spanish Positive tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The National Assembly of Panama held a special session commemorating the bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, a historic 1826 meeting convened by Simón Bolívar.
  • This congress is considered the first formal expression of a multilateral system in the Americas.
  • Events are planned throughout the year, including sessions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and a meeting of heads of state, to celebrate the legacy of Bolívar and the principles of multilateralism.

TVN Panamá reports on the significant commemoration of the bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, an event of profound historical and contemporary relevance for the nation and the region. The National Assembly's special session underscores Panama's role as a historical crucible for multilateralism, a concept championed by Simón Bolívar and embodied in this foundational congress.

With this beautiful spectacle, we begin this great celebration of the bicentennial of the Congress, that marvelous space that Simón Bolívar gave way to so many institutions, organizations, like the OAS, that the idea was to have a great army, that we all be a great brotherhood in defense of our peoples.

— Paulette ThomasIndependent deputy Paulette Thomas highlighting the historical significance and legacy of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama.

The article emphasizes that this bicentennial is not merely a look back at history but a call to action to reaffirm the ideals of regional cooperation and peace. Deputy Paulette Thomas's remarks highlight the enduring legacy of Bolívar and the vision of a united Latin America, while Vice Minister Carlos Guevara Mann stresses the importance of multilateralism for Panama and its sister nations in the current international order. This perspective resonates deeply within Panama, a country that has historically positioned itself as a bridge between nations and a proponent of diplomatic solutions.

We have to reclaim this space, we have been a cornerstone in the peace of the area, but we have to reclaim this space and preserve it.

— Paulette ThomasIndependent deputy Paulette Thomas emphasizing the need for Panama to reclaim its historical role in regional peace and stability.

From a Panamanian viewpoint, this commemoration is a moment of national pride and a reaffirmation of its identity as a key player in regional diplomacy. The planned events, including hosting the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and a summit of heads of state, signal Panama's continued commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation. Unlike Western media, which might view such events through a purely geopolitical lens, Panamanian coverage likely emphasizes the historical significance, the shared cultural heritage, and the aspiration for a more integrated and peaceful continent. The article captures the sentiment that Panama, by hosting these events, is not just remembering history but actively shaping its future as a cornerstone of inter-American relations.

That multilateralism is the international system that best suits a state like Panama and our sister states; that the defense of the republican system and democracy are important objectives for our foreign policy.

— Carlos Guevara MannVice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Carlos Guevara Mann, underscoring the benefits of multilateralism for Panama and its foreign policy objectives.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.