Petro Calls for Latin American Unity at Panama Congress Bicentennial

Panama City, Panama – Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged Latin America to revive the spirit of unity and integration, drawing inspiration from Simón Bolívar's 1826 Amphictyonic Congress. Speaking upon his arrival in Panama City for the congress's bicentennial commemoration, Petro emphasized the enduring relevance of Bolívar's vision for regional solidarity.

"A profound greeting to the people of Colombia, glorious, and we hope that in this meeting that has to do with an event that is essential for Latin America today: nothing more and nothing less than the unity of its nations, an original idea of Bolívar and many others that remains pending... I believe it is time to rethink the unity of the peoples of Latin America," Petro stated.

The commemoration, held in Panama, marks 200 years since Bolívar convened the Amphictyonic Congress. This historical event is widely regarded as a significant milestone in the pursuit of regional integration and multilateralism in the Americas.

Attendees included the presidents of Panama, Guatemala, and Honduras, as well as vice presidents from El Salvador and Ecuador, and the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). The event began with a floral offering at a bust of Simón Bolívar at the Panamanian Foreign Ministry before the arrival of high-level delegates. The leaders were scheduled to hold a meeting to commemorate the bicentennial, followed by a gathering of their foreign ministers.

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A profound greeting to the people of Colombia, glorious, and we hope that in this meeting that has to do with an event that is essential for Latin America today: nothing more and nothing less than the unity of its nations, an original idea of Bolívar and many others that remains pending... I believe it is time to rethink the unity of the peoples of Latin America.