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OAS Assembly in Panama focuses on democracy, Venezuela, and regional security
🇵🇦 Panama /Elections & Politics

OAS Assembly in Panama focuses on democracy, Venezuela, and regional security

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Panama is hosting the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) from June 20-27, focusing on democracy, Venezuela, and hemispheric security.
  • Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha advocated for "useful multilateralism" to address regional challenges like migration, security, and technological innovation.
  • OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin praised Panama's commitment to continental dialogue, noting the event's significance in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Amphictyonic Congress.

Panama is once again at the center of continental dialogue, hosting the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) from June 20 to 27. With 94 delegations and five confirmed heads of state, the agenda is dominated by critical issues including democracy, the situation in Venezuela and Haiti, hemispheric security, and organized crime.

Panama demonstrates the commitment of a country small in size but large in impact.

— Albert RamdinThe OAS Secretary General praised Panama's role as host of the General Assembly.

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha championed the need for "useful multilateralism" to confront the region's complex challenges. He stressed that cooperation remains the most effective tool for the Americas to address issues ranging from democracy and migration to sustainable development and technological innovation. OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin lauded Panama's role as host, highlighting its significant impact despite its size and underscoring the enduring spirit of the Amphictyonic Congress, initiated by Simón Bolívar two centuries ago.

This assembly marks the third time Panama has hosted the OAS General Assembly, following previous events in 1996 and 2007. Its selection as host this year also coincides with the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, a historic gathering that sought to foster unity and cooperation among American nations.

The world, as we are seeing, needs multilateralism. And as our president says, as this foreign minister says, useful multilateralism.

— Javier Martínez-AchaPanama's Foreign Minister advocated for practical cooperation to address regional issues.

Preparations for the assembly have been thorough, with the Permanent Council finalizing 16 draft resolutions and declarations in Washington D.C. on June 17. Fourteen of these proposals carry prior consensus, indicating a strong likelihood of adoption during the Panama meeting. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics crucial to the future stability and progress of the Western Hemisphere.

We need each other; we do not live isolated on the planet, we live together.

— Albert RamdinThe OAS Secretary General emphasized the importance of the multilateral system.
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.

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