Mulino and Petro gather in Panama to treat migration and drug trafficking

The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulinohe received his Colombian counterpart on Friday, Gustavo Petroin an official visit at the Garzas Palace, where key issues will be addressed that affect both countries, such as migration, drug trafficking, safety and energy interconnection.

After greeting, The national hymns of Panama and Colombia were interpreted For the Republican band, which has a significant history in the country since its foundation in 1867, when Panama was still part of Colombia.

The Colombian delegation that accompanies President Petro includes several ministers, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laura Sarabia Torresand the mining of mines and energy, Edwin Palma Egeawho will participate in the discussions related to the bilateral issues of greater interest.

One of the critical points that will be treated is the immigration crisis It affects both countries. The dangerous Darién junglewhich both share on their border, has been for years a key transit point for migrants, especially Venezuelans, who seek to reach the United States.

However, The migratory flows changed direction, Due to the new immigration policies implemented by the United States government, which makes Panama an obstacle to migrants They try to return from the Panamanian Caribbean to Colombia, avoiding the Darien.

Regarding issues related to Repatriation of Venezuelan migrantsboth presidents They will discuss the possibility of establishing repatriació flightsN, which would allow migrants to return to Venezuela through Cúcuta, Colombia.

This measure is under study, since There are currently no direct flights between Panama and Venezuela due to the suspension of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Another relevant issue is the energy interconnection between Panama and Colombiaa project that both countries They try to develop since 2009.

The President Mulino expressed interest in resuming this 800 million dollars initiativewhich seeks to establish an electric line of approximately 500 kilometers long and with a capacity of 400 megawatts.

This project remains a priority for both nationswhich want to strengthen their regional energy cooperation.