Speaking at the 19th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government in this Ecuadorian city, the diplomat praised the agreements reached with his host counterpart Gabriela Sommerfeld, so that Panama will be excluded from those lists, and appreciated similar support from the King of Spain, Felipe VI, also attending the Forum.
Panama is a responsible country that has collaborated, providing the required information on the appropriate transparency in the management of its finances, he explained adding that his country will continue making such efforts in every international platform.
Martínez-Acha also referred to the impact on Panama of irregular migration, as it must fork out millions of dollars caring about undocumented immigrants, environmental damage and security, as it deals with the daily crossing of thousands through the Darien jungle towards the United States. Half a million illegal immigrants risked their lives in 2023, threatened by criminal gangs and drug traffickers.
Accordingly, he urged an effort from the Ibero-American community to help stop the growing flow of irregular migrants, which represents a serious regional security problem.
Minister Martínez-Acha invited the participants to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama in 2026, and offered his country as venue for the 31st Ibero-American Summit in 2028.
Except for Argentina, all countries attending supported a document calling on gender equality, actions to combat climate change, promote the 2030 Agenda and condemn the United States blockade against Cuba, among other issues.
The text, approved by 18 of the 19 attending nations, condemns the unilateral, coercive measures that violate International Law and the United Nations Charter and hinder the ability of States to address their needs and priorities.
The declaration also calls for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba and rejects the inclusion of that country on the unilateral list of States sponsoring terrorism.
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