The democratic crisis in Venezuela, the flow of migrants through the Darien jungle, and the constant threat of drug trafficking and organized crime were the topics discussed this Tuesday by the President of the Republic of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, and the Commander of the U.S. Southern Command, General Laura Richardson.
The meeting took place at the Palacio de las Garzas. President Mulino took advantage of the presence of General Richardson and the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Mari Carmen Aponte, to propose joint hemispheric cooperation on an initiative involving 17 Latin American countries to address the crisis in Venezuela, seek a peaceful solution to the conflict in that nation, and strengthen regional security.
The invitation to the presidents and heads of state was announced this Tuesday by President Mulino during his speech at the Regional Security Summit.
Due to the fact that 60% of migrants passing through the Darien jungle are Venezuelans fleeing the humanitarian crisis in their country, Mulino described the situation as a humanitarian drama of immeasurable proportions. He also highlighted the vulnerability of men, women, and children crossing the border between Panama and Colombia and called for hemispheric cooperation, including that of the United States.
General Richardson and Ambassador Aponte expressed concern about the instability in the region caused by the migration crisis and reaffirmed the importance of Panama as a strategic hub.
Finally, they expressed their willingness to make important investments that would help ensure the democratic sustainability of Panama and the region.