Panama is positioning itself for a significant expansion of Israel technology cooperation following a high-level meeting between President José Raúl Mulino and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The encounter, held Thursday in the context of a Latin American leaders summit, focused on accelerating joint efforts in security, artificial intelligence, and trade.
Netanyahu committed Israel’s full support to collaborating with Panama, alongside Bolivia and Paraguay, specifically in areas where Israeli firms hold global leadership positions. The Israeli leader emphasized the strategic importance of controlling artificial intelligence development and drone technology, framing technological independence as critical to national sovereignty.
Strategic Security and Technology Cooperation Framework
During the bilateral dialogue, President Mulino directly requested a structured cooperation program targeting organized crime and drug trafficking. Netanyahu responded by expressing interest in Panama’s border control strategy, particularly the measures implemented to curb irregular migration through the Darién Gap toward the United States.
The Israeli prime minister stated that Israel wants to deepen its engagement with Panama across security, commerce, and artificial intelligence sectors.
“If you are not independent in technology and artificial intelligence, you are going to be a country dependent on other nations” [Translated from Spanish]
Netanyahu said during the exchange, underscoring the urgency of the proposed partnership.
The leaders agreed to establish concrete commitments, with participating nations tasked to compile priority needs lists for this new phase of cooperation. Netanyahu also noted that democratic systems in Latin America moving away from leftist governance present expanded opportunities for Israeli collaboration.
Bilateral Agenda with Paraguay and Regional Outlook
Following the multilateral session, Mulino held a separate meeting with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. Their discussion covered geopolitical developments and progress within the Mercosur trade bloc, where Panama participates as an associated state.
The talks come ahead of the upcoming Mercosur summit, which represents the world’s fifth-largest economic bloc. The alignment between Panama and Paraguay signals a coordinated approach to regional integration and economic positioning as both nations seek to strengthen ties beyond their traditional alliances.
The meeting marks a notable shift in Panama’s foreign policy calculus, linking Central American security concerns with Israeli technological capabilities. Officials from both governments will now work to translate the diplomatic momentum into specific technical and commercial agreements in the coming months.
