Panama’s top diplomat said the United States may consider the country for its Visa Waiver Program after a meeting with a senior U.S. official. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha revealed the potential development following talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on January 13. This evaluation, if initiated, could significantly simplify travel to the united states for Panamanian citizens.
The discussion lasted about 45 minutes and covered a wide agenda. Topics included regional security, infrastructure investment, and shared migration challenges. Martínez-Acha described the conversation as fluid and productive, signaling a period of strong bilateral cooperation.
Strengthened Ties and Tangible Benefits
Secretary Rubio explicitly recognized the robust state of relations between the two nations during the meeting. The dialogue also revealed concrete U.S. interest in financing Panamanian infrastructure. Martínez-Acha pointed to potential support from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for major projects.
These projects could include regional interconnection efforts with Colombia and initiatives linked to the Panama Canal Authority. The possible visa waiver evaluation emerges as a direct benefit of this strengthened partnership.
“The level of the relationship is in fantastic condition,” said Martínez-Acha. [Translated from Spanish]
He stressed that all proposed projects must pass through standard institutional channels. The translated from spanish statement underscores a commitment to formal procedures. Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program would permit Panamanians to enter the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
Security Cooperation and Foreign Policy Clarity
A substantial part of the talks focused on regional security. The officials discussed Venezuela, with Rubio outlining the U.S. strategy across short, medium, and long-term horizons. Both sides pledged to enhance cooperation against organized crime and narcotrafficking, common threats in the region.
Notably, Martínez-Acha said the topic of Chinese influence in Panama did not arise. He reiterated that the U.S. remains Panama’s principal historical partner. The country’s foreign policy, however, seeks respectful commercial relations with all nations.
“We have to recognize that the United States and China have an international competition for influence, but we are clear about Panama’s future, the interests of our nation,” the foreign minister asserted. [Translated from Spanish]
On migration, Rubio acknowledged the policy promoted by Panama. The potential development marks a key diplomatic moment for the Mulino administration. The conversation also touched on a future meeting between the countries’ presidents, though no date was set.
The high-level engagement highlights Panama’s active diplomacy. The visa waiver possibility represents a significant, though not guaranteed, objective for Panamanian citizens and the government’s foreign policy team.