Israeli leadership promotes strategic alliances and maritime security as hostile regional forces continue threatening global trade routes.
President Isaac Herzog began his historic official visit to Central America on Wednesday with a high-profile arrival in Panama, marking the first-ever state visit by an Israeli president to the country. Upon landing, Herzog was welcomed by Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez before touring the strategically vital Panama Canal.
During the visit, President Herzog received an extensive briefing regarding the canal’s operational significance, its role in global trade, and future opportunities for expanded cooperation between Israel and Panama in technology, infrastructure, agriculture, water management, and innovation.
Speaking during the tour, Herzog emphasized the growing partnership between the two nations and praised Panama’s role in protecting international maritime commerce.
“It’s a great honor and pleasure to be here as the guest of President Mulino here in Panama. This is the first state visit of an Israeli President in Panama, a historic visit, thereby connecting and upgrading the relations between our nations in so many fields,” Herzog stated.
The Israeli President also drew a sharp contrast between the peaceful operation of the Panama Canal and growing instability in strategic waterways threatened by hostile regional actors.
“It is a great honor to be here at the Panama Canal, which connects two great oceans, the Pacific and the Atlantic. This is a beautiful example of how to lead and enable freedom of navigation and maritime freedom, as opposed to what we see in the Straits of Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea, or in the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf,” Herzog declared.
He stressed that the international community must firmly oppose disruptions to global shipping and maritime access, describing the canal as a model of cooperation and stability.
Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez praised the deepening alliance between the two democracies and reaffirmed Panama’s commitment to strengthening ties with Israel.
“It is a very historic and symbolic visit. Here in the heart of the continent, we want to show the President of Israel the true friendship that Israel and Panama enjoy,” Martínez-Acha Vásquez said, while highlighting plans to expand cooperation in commerce, technology, and innovation.
