Panama President José Raúl Mulino has concluded a state visit to Athens, Greece, securing new collaboration agreements and employment opportunities for Panamanian seafarers. The trip strengthened Panama’s position as a leading global maritime registry. Four new oil tankers will sail under the Panamanian flag.
The visit reinforced bilateral ties between the two nations. President Mulino met with Hellenic Republic President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Both leaders discussed maintaining competitive trade routes. They witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding at the Maximos Mansion. One agreement focuses on tourism collaboration. The other covers political consultations between the countries.
High Honor and New Partnerships for Panama
President Tasoulas awarded Mulino the Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer. This is the highest honor Greece bestows on foreign leaders. It recognizes contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. [Translated from Spanish]
Mulino joined the Greek prime minister to open the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition 2026. This biennial event in Athens is the maritime industry’s premier gathering. Over 2,000 exhibitors from 138 countries participated this year. The Panamanian leader also met with Greek shipowners. They are the primary users of the Panama Ship Registry.
Greek shipping magnates operate roughly 500 vessels under the Panamanian flag. These ships move more than 20 percent of global cargo. Their business generates crucial revenue for Panama’s economy. The relationship between Greek owners and Panama remains vital for both sides.
Direct Employment and Fleet Expansion Announced
The president secured new job opportunities for Panamanian mariners. Tsakos Shipping Trading, a major Greek shipping group, made a significant pledge. The company announced that four Panamax oil tankers currently under construction will register under the Panamanian flag. This decision brings immediate employment prospects for Panamanian crews.
We will protect our commercial partners in Greece, the world’s largest merchant marine. I have instructed the Foreign Ministry, the Panama Maritime Authority, and our embassy in Athens to take high-level actions to safeguard this sector. [Translated from Spanish]
Mulino spoke before more than 1,000 attendees at a reception during Posidonia 2026. Business leaders, Greek public officials, and members of the Panamanian community were present. The president emphasized his commitment to protecting these strategic partnerships.
High-Level Delegation Accompanies the President
First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino accompanied the president on the state visit. A high-level delegation joined them. It included Ambassador and Consul General in Greece Julie Lymberopulos Karnakis. Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez also attended. Other officials were Canal Affairs Minister José Ramón Icaza, Commerce Minister Julio Moltó, Civil Aviation Director Rafael Barcenas, Tourism Authority Administrator Gloria de León, and Maritime Authority Administrator Luis Roquebert.
PROMTUR Director General Salomón Shamah joined the group. Former Economy Minister Alberto Vallarino and former Panama Canal Administrator Alberto Alemán Zubieta also participated. The delegation’s breadth signaled the strategic importance Panama places on its Greek relationship.
The Posidonia exhibition runs through the end of the week. Panama’s maritime officials will continue bilateral meetings. They focus on maintaining stability and growth for the shipping sector. The agreements signed in Athens lay groundwork for expanded cooperation in tourism, trade, and maritime employment.