President José Raúl Mulino and U.S. President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation today in which they addressed various topics, including the crisis in Venezuela, the situation of illegal immigration through the Darién, and Panama's role as a strategic ally in the region.
Biden described President Mulino as a "top partner" of the United States” and highlighted the Panamanian leader's "outstanding" role in the region.
Mulino and the U.S. President spoke for approximately 11 minutes this afternoon in a phone call. During the call, they also committed to exploring a joint solution to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
In this context, Biden acknowledged Panama's leadership and President Mulino's efforts in seeking a solution to the Venezuelan crisis while expressing gratitude for Panama's role in the dialogue between the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations.
"Panama has a very large historical debt with Venezuela," Mulino recalled to his U.S. counterpart, referring to Panama's active role in seeking a solution to the institutional crisis in the South American country.
Additionally, Biden committed to initiating the implementation of the agreement in August. This will include repatriation flights for migrants arriving in Panama through the Darién jungle. According to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries, the United States will cover the financing.
Biden said that the United States is "ready" to implement the agreement, which—Mulino added—will be carried out with respect for human rights and the dignity of individuals.
Biden and Mulino agreed to maintain direct communication between the White House and the Palacio de las Garzas.