Brazil endorses channel neutrality and expands business with Panama

The Brazilian government officially recognized the neutrality of the Panama Canal, that is, the commitment to keep the road open to ships of all countries, without favoritism, and took the opportunity to announce new partnerships with the Central American country.

The announcement was made this Thursday (28) at the Planalto Palace, during the visit of President Panamenho José Raúl Mulino to Brazil. Beside him, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) set the political tone of the gesture. “Brazil fully supports Panama’s sovereignty over the channel, won after decades of fighting. For over 25 years, the country has managed the maritime corridor with efficiency and respect for neutrality, ensuring safe traffic to ships of all origins.”

Lula also criticized external pressures in the region. “Attempts to restore ancient hegemonies put in check the freedom and self -determination of our peoples. Interference threats press democratic institutions and compromise the construction of an integrated, developed and autonomous continent. International trade is used as an instrument of coercion and blackmail.”

On the Panamenian side, Mulino highlighted the historical symbolism of the decision. “There is no doubt that the channel issue affects us a lot because it is a fight of a century, conquered by negotiation and we have achieved full sovereignty.” About the environmental agenda, he said: “We need water, forests and fight every day against climate change.”

In practice, the two governments signed memos for cooperation in ports and airports (with the authority of the Panama Canal), with information exchange, route study and search for more sustainable corridors; and in agriculture and livestock (technical training, health and sustainable production). At the time, Embraer announced the sale of four A-29 Super Toucan aircraft to the National Panama Aeronaval Service. In addition, Fiocruz will support the country to expand the production of vaccines and structure a regional pharmaceutical hub.

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The climate schedule also entered the package. Lula invited Panama to join the Fund Forests Forests Forever (TFFF), which will be launched at COP30 in Belém. The Brazilian President noted that, even though he is one of the few countries that absorb the most greenhouse gases than they emit, Panama already feels the impacts of global warming. “The displacement of the Guna indigenous people of their ancestral archipelago is a concrete example of climate injustice,” said the president. Mulino confirmed presence at COP30.

The visit occurs in the context of bilateral economic reinforcement. First country in Central America to associate with Mercosur, Panama has logistics relevance that exceeds its neighborhood, by the strategic position and airport infrastructure. In 2024, Brazil was the 15th largest user of the Panama channel and bilateral trade totaled US $ 934.1 million, making Panama the largest Brazilian commercial partner in Central America. In the wake of the meeting, the two governments seek to advance in trade and investment agreements to expand these flows.

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With information from the Federal Government