In first state visit, President Herzog praises Panama’s support for Israel and Jewish community

Israeli President Isaac Herzog was welcomed by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino at the Presidential Palace in Panama City on Wednesday, where he thanked the Central American leader for his country’s longstanding support for the Jewish state. The visit marked President Herzog’s first trip to a Latin American country, and the first by an Israeli head of state to Panama.

Following an official welcome ceremony, Herzog and Mulino held private and expanded bilateral meetings focused on strengthening strategic ties and expanding cooperation in technology, water management, healthcare, commerce, agriculture and security.

In remarks to the press after the meetings, Mulino welcomed Herzog, noting the historic occasion. 

“This visit marks, without a doubt, a historic milestone in Israel-Panama relations – being President Herzog’s first visit to Latin America as President and the first official visit by an Israeli Head of State to our country, Panama.” 

“This encounter represents much more than a ceremonial act; it is the reaffirmation and renewal of a solid relationship between our two nations, built on trust, mutual respect, and cooperation that has been strengthened across various areas over more than seven decades,” he added. 

Mulino said Panama and Israel share “fundamental values, such as the defense of democracy and the vision of sustainable and inclusive development.” 

“Panama reaffirms its historical vocation as a country of dialogue, as a bridge to the world, and reiterates its commitment to promoting peace and global stability,” he added. 

He highlighted upcoming “technological and agricultural cooperation, where Panama will expand its knowledge with Israel’s experience in efficient water management,” which will assist Panama in several areas of the country now experiencing drought. 

Mulino said Panama appreciates “Israel’s commitment to sharing its expertise” along with the donation of a “freshwater purification system for the province of Veragua,” and other areas affected by the drought. He also thanked Israel for partnering with Panama and sharing knowledge and expertise. 

In his remarks, Herzog said Israel “will never forget how Panama stood with the Jewish people at the dawn of our statehood, supporting the historic resolution on Israel’s establishment, and formalizing relations just weeks after our independence.” 

“And we deeply appreciate Panama’s friendship and support now, especially during these very challenging and complicated times,” Herzog continued. “We did not seek this war. But we will defend our people.” He also noted how Iran’s “terror regime” has been a threat to Latin America, including Panama. 

“Clearly, it is not our struggle alone. Iran’s terror regime and its proxies reach far beyond the Middle East,” he said. “Latin America has felt the long arm of Iranian terror. Right here on Panama’s soil, Hezbollah murdered 20 innocent civilians in a horrific terror attack in 1994.” 

“We remember the victims, and we remember their families,” the Israeli president said, adding that the international community must not ignore what he described as the Iranian regime’s efforts to spread instability worldwide.

He praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s “decision to take action to confront Iran and prevent it from reaching a nuclear capability” as “courageous and necessary.” 

Herzog also referred to Panama’s own role as a key global waterway, saying Iranian efforts “to threaten, block, or disrupt freedom of navigation in international waters” have included the seizure of Panamanian vessels.

Finally, Herzog spoke about Panama’s treatment of its nation's “vibrant and rooted Jewish community,” which has made “immense contributions to Panama and is part of the unique cultural tapestry of this wonderful nation.” 

“At a time when antisemitism has risen so dramatically across the globe, Panama gives an example and remains largely a sanctuary of tolerance and mutual respect to the people of the Bible, and I want to commend the people of Panama and its leadership for this,” the Israeli leader added before addressing Mulino.

“Mr. President, my friend, I believe that this historic visit will open a new chapter in the friendship between Israel and Panama: a chapter built on deeper economic cooperation, stronger ties on so many fields, closer ties between our peoples, and shared action for a safer, more connected, and more prosperous world.”