In first state visit, President Herzog praises Panama’s support for Israel & good treatment of Jews

President Isaac Herzog was welcomed by President José Raúl Mulino of Panama at the Presidential Palace in Panama City on Wednesday, thanking the Central American leader for his country’s history of supporting the Jewish State. 

Following an official welcome ceremony, President Herzog and President Mulino held a private meeting, followed by an extended bilateral meeting, where they discussed strengthening strategic ties between the two countries, as well as increasing cooperation in the fields of technology, water management, health, commerce, agriculture, and security. 

The visit was President Herzog’s first to a Latin American country, and the first by any Israeli head of state to Panama. 

In remarks to the press following the meetings, President José Raúl Mulino welcomed President Herzog, noting the historic occasion. 

“I receive President Herzog with great joy and warmth on behalf of the Panamanian people and my government,” President Mulino said.

“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 continued. 

President Mulino spoke of the shared “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,” Mulino said. 

He spoke of 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 which are experiencing drought. 

Mulion 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 drought. 

President Mulino also addressed medical cooperation, thanking Israel for its willingness to partner with Panama and share knowledge and expertise. 

In his remarks, President 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, speaking of the multiple conflicts which Israel became engaged in following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre. 

“We did not seek this war. But we will defend our people,” he stated. 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,” Herzog stated. “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.” 

Stating that “we remember the victims. We remember their families,” the Israeli president said that the “international community cannot turn a blind eye to the chaos that the Iranian regime seeks to spread throughout the world.” 

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 experience as a key global waterway, and said that Iranian efforts “to threaten, block, or disrupt freedom of navigation in international waters,” saying this has “included the seizure of Panamanian vessels." 

Finally, Herzog spoke of Panama’s treatment of its own “vibrant and rooted Jewish community,” which he said had 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,” Herzog said in praise of the Latin American state. 

“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.”