Overview
- Lula and Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino spoke by phone on January 15 in a conversation reported as initiated by the Panamanian leader.
- Both leaders reiterated the need to preserve peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean and stressed strengthening the UN, international law and dialogue.
- The discussion included the Venezuela crisis following the reported U.S. intervention in Caracas, which Lula has also addressed in recent calls with leaders in Mexico, Colombia, Canada, Russia and Venezuela.
- Lula is scheduled to travel to Panama on January 28 to open the International Economic Forum of Latin America and the Caribbean organized by CAF.
- A bilateral meeting in Panama is planned to advance trade, investment and cooperation tied to Panama’s status as an associate state of Mercosur.