The official visit of Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, to Rabat represents a significant diplomatic milestone and a major political development in strengthening relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Panama.
This visit follows Panama’s sovereign and courageous decision announced on November 21, 2024, to suspend all forms of recognition of the so-called “Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic,” marking a decisive break from a stance held since 1978. This strategic shift aligns fully with international law and the historical reality of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara region.
King Mohammed VI promptly responded to this decision with a personal letter of thanks addressed to Panama’s President José Raúl Molino Quintero, describing the move as “wise” and a clear expression of growing international support for Morocco’s legitimate position. His Majesty also expressed Morocco’s sincere desire to build a renewed, multidimensional, and mutually beneficial partnership with Panama.
This royal response reflects the proactive and steadfast approach of Moroccan diplomacy, managed with insight at the highest levels of the state.
The Panamanian Foreign Minister’s visit comes after a virtual meeting on November 27, 2024, between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Panamanian counterpart, reinforcing the gains achieved through direct and frank political dialogue.
This strategic rapprochement is particularly significant as Panama joined the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member starting January 2025. Panama’s voice is expected to play a constructive and enlightened role in seeking a realistic and lasting political solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue, based on the autonomy initiative endorsed by over 70% of UN member states as the sole credible framework to resolve this manufactured conflict.
Beyond bilateral relations, Panama’s evolving stance reflects the growing influence of Moroccan diplomacy in Latin America, supported by the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI.
Following notable shifts in Ecuador, Peru, and El Salvador, many countries in the region are now aligning their positions with principles of sovereignty, international law, and regional stability. This geopolitical transformation, underpinned by Morocco’s methodical, respectful, and consistent diplomacy, demonstrates unprecedented international support for Morocco’s national cause.
Panama’s position is symbolic not only for its immediate political impact but also because Panama was among the first countries to recognize the so-called “Sahrawi Republic” in the late 1970s. This new stance thus represents a major diplomatic victory for Morocco and further proof that wisdom and legitimacy ultimately prevail when nations free themselves from ideological manipulations of the past.
The official visit, held from June 14 to 18, 2025, included the signing of several agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, and a roadmap for cooperation between the two countries for 2025-2027, reflecting a shared commitment to building a strong and sustainable strategic partnership.