On Friday, March 13, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held talks with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha during an official visit to the country.

During the talks, Andrii Sybiha briefed his counterpart on the situation in Ukraine, developments on the battlefield, and peace efforts. The Minister expressed gratitude for Panama’s principled stance in supporting efforts to bring about a sustainable and just peace.

According to the Foreign Minister, Panama’s strong and principled voice in the Central American region is important for advancing diplomacy and bringing about a just and sustainable peace.

The Foreign Ministers held substantive talks and reached a number of important agreements.

Panama decided to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. This initiative aims to protect the rights of children who have become victims of armed aggression. Ukraine deeply appreciates this show of solidarity.

The Ministers signed a Roadmap for Bilateral Relations for 2026–2029. This is a joint roadmap that will outline clear steps for developing cooperation in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres.

The parties also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between diplomatic academies. This is an investment in the future of bilateral relations that will allow young diplomats to exchange experiences and best practices.

According to Andrii Sybiha, today’s meeting demonstrated the great potential and prospects of bilateral relations.

“To put it very briefly, my message today is simple and to the point: we are ready to strengthen our bilateral relations; we have much to offer our friends in Panama. We are interested in deepening bilateral trade and establishing joint ventures and production facilities,” the Foreign Minister noted.

Andrii Sybiha recalled that Ukraine is opening an embassy in Panama City. Today, during the Foreign Minister’s visit, the embassy will be officially inaugurated.

“I am convinced that the direct presence of our diplomatic mission will translate into new joint projects, increased trade volumes, and the development of political dialogue at all levels,” the minister noted.

Quoting the words of Panama’s national hero Victoriano Lorenzo, “One must fight in battle,” Andrii Sybiha noted that these words resonate deeply in the hearts of Ukrainians.

Ukraine highly values Panama’s role as an important regional leader and a “bridge” between oceans and continents. According to the Foreign Minister, this is a role as a defender of international law, dialogue, and cooperation.

“These are precisely the values we are defending on the battlefield today. After all, today the front line in Ukraine is the front line of freedom and international law. This war is not about Ukraine. It is about principles. That is why your support is so important to us,” the Minister noted.

During his official visit to the country, Andrii Sybiha had the honor of conveying warmest greetings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The Foreign Minister also extended an invitation to the Panamanian leader to visit Ukraine.

“The choice in favor of independence, justice, and freedom is always the right one. Both the people of Ukraine and the people of Panama know this,” the Minister emphasized.