Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo on Wednesday, December 10. Their discussion centered on strengthening maritime cooperation and investment links between the two nations. The bilateral meeting occurred during Mulino’s official visit to attend the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony.
Prime Minister Store explicitly noted the strong existing connection in the maritime sector. He expressed a clear interest from his government in deepening this partnership through new business and investment opportunities. The leaders agreed that shared interests could unlock significant potential for both economies.
Focus on Maritime and Global Cooperation
The talks extended beyond bilateral issues to address broader global political concerns. Both officials acknowledged Panama’s growing role in international forums. This includes its active participation within the United Nations system, where it has recently taken on more prominent positions.
“Panama and Norway have a strong link in the maritime sector, and with the interest of both governments, good business and investment opportunities can be opened,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stated. [Translated from Spanish]
President Mulino was accompanied by Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez Acha, and the concurrent ambassador to Norway, Natalia Royo. The delegation’s presence underscored the importance Panama places on its relationship with Norway, a global leader in Maritime Transport and sustainable ocean industries.
This diplomatic engagement signals a proactive step to translate historical maritime ties into concrete economic projects. For Panama, a key objective is attracting Norwegian expertise and investment in green shipping technologies and port modernization. The meeting’s timing, on the sidelines of a major international event, provided high-level momentum to these technical discussions.
Mulino’s attendance at the Nobel ceremony, where Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado was honored, also placed Panama within a significant geopolitical context. The presidente mulino has consistently aligned his foreign policy with democratic principles. His government continues to navigate complex international relationships while pursuing specific national interests like those discussed with Norway.
Next steps will likely involve follow-up meetings between technical ministries and private sector stakeholders from both countries. The focus remains on identifying viable joint ventures in the maritime domain. This partnership could enhance Panama’s position as a maritime hub while incorporating Norway’s advanced sustainable practices.