Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino confirmed his attendance at a high-level regional meeting convened by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The gathering of twelve Latin American leaders is scheduled for March 7 at the Doral Hotel in Miami, Florida. Mulino expressed strong expectations for the talks, which will focus on continental security, drug trafficking, and democratic governance.
The president outlined the meeting’s informal structure during a press conference in Panama City on Thursday, March 5. He indicated the format would depart from traditional summit plenaries, allowing each leader to address issues specific to their nation. The event represents Trump’s first major regional summit since returning to political prominence and occurs as the official Summit of the Americas, planned for 2025, faces an indefinite postponement.
Mulino emphasized Panama’s unique geopolitical role in the discussions. “I have spoken with some representatives of international entities who are going, and they believe the time is right to talk about democracy, the fight against drugs, money laundering, and continental security,” Mulino stated.
“Panama plays an important role because we are the only country that has a canal.” [Translated from Spanish]
His attendance follows official notification through diplomatic channels, according to the Panamanian Presidency. Mulino plans to travel to Miami after handling domestic affairs on Friday. The agenda includes a working lunch with participating presidents and potential bilateral meetings, though those remain unconfirmed.
Summit Focus and Attendees
White House sources confirmed the March 7 date to AFP, noting all invited leaders maintain close relations with the current U.S. administration. The guest list highlights a specific political alignment within the hemisphere. Confirmed attendees include the presidents of Argentina, Javier Milei; Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz; Ecuador, Daniel Noboa; El Salvador, Nayib Bukele; Honduras, Nasry Asfura; and Paraguay, Santiago Pena.
This selective gathering marks an unexpected axis in U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America. The focus on security and economic cooperation bypasses the broader, often more contentious, agendas of formal multilateral forums. For Panama, the Panama Canal provides a central platform for engaging on global trade and regional stability issues.
Mulino detailed the evening program, which will feature a cocktail reception.
“In the evening there will be a cocktail offered by the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, with guests from other institutions of the United States government.” [Translated from Spanish]
The involvement of the United States Secretary of State underscores the meeting’s official diplomatic weight.
Regional Context and Implications
Analysts view the summit as a strategic realignment of diplomatic efforts. With the Dominican Republic-hosted Summit of the Americas delayed, this Miami meeting fills an immediate void for policy coordination. It offers a platform for leaders who share certain ideological stances to consolidate a common agenda ahead of future elections across the continent.
The conversation around “a new legal reality” referenced by Mulino in other recent statements may also surface. He recently warned port subcontractors they must pay taxes and negotiate under new legal frameworks, a domestic policy stance that aligns with broader discussions on lawful investment and anti-money laundering efforts. Economic stability remains a priority for Panama, especially as global conflicts can threaten local inflation, a topic explored in discussions on figures like donald trump and international market impacts.
Mulino’s participation signals Panama’s intent to maintain a proactive, central role in hemispheric affairs. Leveraging the canal’s strategic importance, the administration seeks to position the country as a crucial partner on security and trade. The outcomes of these bilateral conversations, particularly with U.S. officials, could influence near-term foreign policy and investment.
Final logistics and the full scope of announced agreements will become clear following the March 7 conclave. The world will be watching this Miami hotel, where a distinct segment of Latin American leadership converges under a revived U.S. political initiative.