Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino formally congratulated Nasry Asfura on his election as Honduras’s next leader this week. Mulino’s public message signals Panama’s official recognition of the controversial election results and a desire for continued regional cooperation.
The congratulation came via Mulino’s official account on the social media platform X. It aligns Panama with several other Latin American nations that have acknowledged Asfura’s victory. This regional endorsement unfolds against a backdrop of significant political tension within Honduras following one of its most contentious electoral processes in recent history.
“I congratulate the president elect of Honduras, Nasry Asfura, and I hope that we can work together for the benefit of our countries and the region!!” [Translated from Spanish]
Mulino’s statement directly expresses his administration’s readiness to strengthen bilateral ties. The Panamanian presidente electo has consistently emphasized regional partnership since taking office. His outreach to Tegucigalpa follows that established diplomatic pattern.
Regional Governments Call for Orderly Transition
A separate joint communique from seven nations, including Panama, also recognized the election outcome. Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Costa Rica joined Panama in signing the document. These governments collectively expressed a wish to collaborate with the incoming Honduran administration on shared challenges.
Key areas for cooperation mentioned include trade, security, migration, and regional democracy. The statement specifically called for a peaceful and orderly transition of power. Asfura is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 27, 2026.
“We reaffirm our solidarity with the Honduran people and express our desire that the transition takes place in a peaceful and orderly manner, contributing to the strengthening of national coexistence,” the joint statement read. [Translated from Spanish]
Felicito al presidente electo de Honduras @titoasfura y deseo que trabajemos juntos en beneficio de nuestros países y de la región!! 🇵🇦🇭🇳
— José Raúl Mulino (@JoseRaulMulino) December 25, 2025
Asfura Prepares to Lead a Divided Nation
Known popularly by the nickname “Papi a la Orden,” Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah is a major figure in Honduran conservative politics. The 67 year old businessman from the construction sector has held public office before. He served as mayor of the capital, Tegucigalpa, from 2014 to 2022 and previously as a congressman.
Asfura ran as the candidate for the ruling National Party of Honduras. He now faces the formidable task of governing a deeply polarized country. Immediate challenges awaiting his government involve managing migration flows, addressing security issues, and stabilizing the national economy.
His victory has garnered declared support from other conservative leaders across the hemisphere. This international backing from figures like Mulino may prove crucial as Nasry Asfura navigates complex domestic politics. The incoming president must unite a nation still processing a divisive electoral campaign and its disputed results.
Panama’s early and public congratulations solidify a diplomatic channel between the two Central American governments. Mulino’s emphasis on regional benefit suggests a focus on pragmatic collaboration. Their future work together will likely center on the transnational issues of migration and trade that affect the entire isthmus.