THE Philippines and Panama have launched a new mechanism for regular diplomatic dialogue, with the two maritime and connectivity hubs exploring expanded cooperation in shipping, seafarer welfare, trade, logistics and other strategic areas.
The inaugural Philippines-Panama Political Consultations were held on Sept. 28 in Panama City, opening a new platform for both governments to advance their bilateral, economic and maritime agendas.
The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim and Panamanian Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Arturo Hoyos Boyd.
The Philippine delegation included Ambassador to Mexico Arvin de Leon, whose jurisdiction covers Panama, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Rhenita Rodriguez, and other officials.
The consultations came amid renewed momentum in bilateral relations following Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez’s visit to Manila in July for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), held during the Philippines’ 2026 Asean chairship.
The talks identified opportunities to expand cooperation in trade and investment, economic ties, logistics, agribusiness, tourism, renewable energy, labor, science and technology, education and culture. Both sides also discussed potential cooperation in the semiconductor industry.
Maritime cooperation emerged as a key area, with the Philippines’ longstanding role as a major source of maritime professionals complementing Panama’s position as a global shipping and ship-registration hub.
The delegations discussed seafarer welfare, maritime education and training, port modernization and labor standards, as well as ocean governance, the blue economy, marine environmental protection, and protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
Herrera-Lim said Panama’s participation in the TAC anniversary reflected a shared commitment to sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful settlement of disputes and international cooperation.
Panama’s Hoyos described the new consultations as a permanent avenue for turning common interests into new cooperation opportunities and giving greater depth to a relationship with “wide potential for growth.”
The two sides also exchanged views on multilateral and international issues, including UN Security Council reform, climate change, Asean and regional development.
During his official visit, Herrera-Lim also engaged Panama’s diplomatic community, visited the International Maritime University of Panama to explore academic and training partnerships, and discussed Philippine priorities under its Asean chairship.
The visit underscored Manila’s efforts to strengthen ties with Panama as the two countries seek to leverage their respective positions as strategic gateways connecting Asia and the Americas.
