Panama hosts leaders to mark 200 years of Amphictyonic Congress, Mulino defends multilateralism

Panama City, President José Raúl Mulino welcomed leaders from Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras, alongside dignitaries from across the Americas, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama. The historic gathering also marks the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), under the theme "America United in the Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama."

Among the attendees were Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, and Honduran President Nasry Asfura. U.S. Undersecretary of State Christopher Landau and Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa also joined the commemoration of Simón Bolívar's 1826 vision for a confederation of South American nations. The Secretary General of the OAS, Albert Ramdin, was also present.

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Multilateralism has demonstrated its value time and again. It allowed us to consolidate peace processes, accompany democratic transitions, and build mechanisms for dispute resolution that prevented conflicts between brothers.

President Mulino addressed the assembled guests, reflecting on the strengths, weaknesses, and threats facing Panama and Latin America. He underscored the enduring importance of multilateralism, stating, "Multilateralism has demonstrated its value time and again. It allowed us to consolidate peace processes, accompany democratic transitions, and build mechanisms for dispute resolution that prevented conflicts between brothers."

Mulino stressed that multilateralism is particularly crucial for defending democracy, which he argued should extend beyond periodic elections to be felt in the daily lives of citizens. "Democracy must be felt in the daily lives of our citizens, when a family accesses quality education, when a person can prosper, when they can walk safely in the streets, when institutions respond," he stated. Attendees echoed the sentiment, emphasizing international cooperation and adherence to law.

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Democracy must be felt in the daily lives of our citizens, when a family accesses quality education, when a person can prosper, when they can walk safely in the streets, when institutions respond.