Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado publicly thanked Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Wednesday for agreeing to attend her Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The gesture highlights international solidarity for Venezuela’s democratic movement as Machado prepares to accept the prestigious award in December.
Machado expressed her gratitude directly to Mulino through a post on the social media platform X. She called his planned presence at the event in Norway a significant honor for both nations.
“Dear President @JoseRaulMulino, what an honor to have you, in the name of the brotherly people of Panama, at what will be a historic day for Venezuelans and for Latin America. That day we will reaffirm our commitment to Freedom,” Machado wrote. [Translated from Spanish]
President Mulino confirmed his travel plans earlier this week. He stated he received a personal invitation from corina machado herself. The Panamanian leader described the opportunity to support Machado as deeply meaningful for his country.
Querido Presidente @JoseRaulMulino, qué honor poder contar con usted, en nombre del hermano pueblo de Panamá, en lo que será un día histórico para los venezolanos y para América Latina. Ese día ratificaremos nuestro compromiso con la Libertad.
— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) December 3, 2025
Muchísimas gracias! https://t.co/MthaPeoSje
Historic Recognition for Venezuelan Democracy Advocacy
The Norwegian Nobel Committee named Maria Corina Machado the 2025 peace prize laureate in October. Officials cited her persistent work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela. They specifically recognized her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
This award marks one of the highest international accolades ever bestowed upon a Venezuelan opposition leader. It brings global attention to the ongoing political crisis within the South American nation. The committee’s announcement has been celebrated by democratic allies worldwide while drawing criticism from the current Venezuelan government.
Panama’s presidente mulino has positioned himself as a vocal supporter. His administration has maintained a firm stance advocating for a return to democratic norms in Venezuela. Accepting Machado’s invitation reinforces that foreign policy position with a powerful symbolic act.
The formal award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, 2025. It will be held in the city of Oslo, following longstanding tradition. That date commemorates the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Machado’s message and Mulino’s attendance are expected to galvanize Venezuela’s dispersed opposition community. They offer a moment of unified visibility on the world stage. The event will likely draw other heads of state and prominent advocates for democracy and human rights.
Regional analysts view Panama’s involvement as strategically important. The country has historically served as a diplomatic and logistical hub for Venezuelans fleeing the crisis. Mulino’s presence connects Panama’s current government to a broader Latin American democratic movement. It underscores a commitment that extends beyond mere rhetoric.
Reactions within Venezuela remain sharply divided. Machado’s supporters see the Nobel Prize as legitimate validation of their cause. The government in Caracas has previously dismissed the award as politically motivated interference. This diplomatic divide will be visibly on display during the Oslo ceremonies next month.
For President Mulino, the trip represents a continuation of his administration’s engaged regional policy. It follows his earlier congratulations to Machado when the prize was first announced. His participation now adds a layer of official state recognition to the Nobel committee’s decision.
The ceremony itself will be broadcast globally. Millions are anticipated to watch as Machado receives the medal and diploma. Her acceptance speech is widely expected to address the current plight of the Venezuelan people directly. It will also likely outline a vision for a peaceful democratic future.
International backing from leaders like Mulino provides crucial moral support. It helps counteract the isolation often felt by opposition figures operating under authoritarian regimes. This network of external recognition can be a vital asset for sustaining a long-term political struggle.
December’s events in Norway will temporarily shift the international spotlight onto Venezuela’s political future. The presence of a sitting president like Jose Raul Mulino signals that the issue remains a live concern for the hemisphere. It is not a forgotten crisis.
Machado’s simple message of thanks, therefore, carries considerable political weight. It acknowledges an ally while publicly reinforcing a coalition. That coalition now aims to translate the symbolic capital of a Nobel Peace Prize into tangible progress for Venezuela.