Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino will travel to Santiago, Chile on Tuesday, March 10. His official visit centers on attending the inauguration ceremony of Chile’s President-elect, José Antonio Kast, scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 at the National Congress in Valparaíso.
The trip underscores the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Chile stands as the primary Latin American user of the Panama Canal and ranks among the waterway’s top five global clients. Mulino’s presence at the event signals Panama’s commitment to fostering regional partnerships.
Accompanied by First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino, the president’s itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with Kast upon arrival. That meeting is set to take place at the Palacio Cousiño in Santiago prior to the main inauguration events.
Ceremony Marks Political Transition
José Antonio Kast, of the Republican Party, won the presidential runoff election on December 14. He will assume office, succeeding outgoing President Gabriel Boric. The ceremony at the National Congress will host a gathering of foreign dignitaries, including heads of state, vice presidents, and prime ministers.
Chilean foreign ministry officials confirmed a dozen world leaders will attend. The guest list features Argentina’s Javier Milei, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and Spain’s King Felipe VI. Other confirmed attendees include Uruguay’s Yamandú Orsi, Paraguay’s Santiago Peña, and Costa Rica’s Rodrigo Chaves.
Chile is the main user of the Panama Canal in Latin America and is among the five most prominent users in the world. [Translated from Spanish]
Representatives from Bolivia, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Hungary are also expected. The vice president of El Salvador, Félix Ulloa, will attend alongside delegates from Italy and the European Commission.
Strategic Bilateral Engagement
President Mulino’s decision to make this trip personally, so early in his own administration, highlights its strategic importance. The bilateral meeting at Palacio Cousiño provides a critical opportunity for direct dialogue. Both leaders can discuss trade, investment, and shared regional interests face-to-face.
For Panama, maintaining a strong relationship with a top canal user is a clear economic priority. The canal remains a cornerstone of Panama’s economy and global logistics. Stable, friendly relations with major client nations directly support that vital national asset.
Kast’s inauguration at the National Congress precedes his official assumption of duties at the La Moneda Palace. The event marks a significant political shift in Chile. Mulino’s attendance continues Panama’s tradition of engaging with incoming administrations across the hemisphere.
This visit follows other recent diplomatic engagements by President Mulino. It reinforces Panama’s active role in regional affairs. The president’s focus on direct leader-to-leader meetings is becoming a hallmark of his foreign policy approach.
Logistics for the trip were coordinated by Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation is expected to return to Panama following the conclusion of the inauguration ceremonies. No further international travel for Mulino is currently announced for the immediate future.
The gathering of leaders in Chile represents one of the larger regional diplomatic events this year. It offers a platform for sideline discussions on broader issues affecting Latin America. Panama’s participation ensures its voice is part of those conversations.
Mulino’s presence at the inauguration of antonio kast solidifies a channel of communication from the outset. Building a personal rapport with the new Chilean president could facilitate smoother cooperation on future bilateral matters. The trip, while brief, is strategically timed for maximum diplomatic impact.