Leaders discussed trade, maritime security, logistics, connectivity and mutual legal assistance during bilateral meetings
Singapore and Panama discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, logistics and maritime security during the State Visit of President of the Republic of Panama José Raúl Mulino Quintero to Singapore from 3 to 5 October 2026. The visit included meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, focusing on shared interests, regional and international developments, and practical areas for cooperation.
President Mulino called on President Tharman, where they discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties and exchanged views on common challenges and growth opportunities, including port infrastructure and developments in the global environment. President Tharman and Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam also hosted a State Banquet in honour of President Mulino and First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino.
During his meeting with President Mulino, Prime Minister Wong discussed regional and international developments, as well as opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, logistics and connectivity.
Prime Minister Wong conveyed Singapore’s decision to accede to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. The decision reflected Singapore’s commitment to maritime safety and security and freedom of navigation in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The two leaders also agreed to commence negotiations on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between Singapore and Panama, aimed at providing a framework for cooperation in legal assistance.
Following their meeting, Prime Minister Wong and President Mulino witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SATS Ltd and Tocumen International Airport to deepen cooperation in air connectivity and air cargo logistics.
In a social media post following the meeting, Prime Minister Wong said: “Singapore and Panama are both small, open economies and important gateways to our respective regions. We have each turned geography into opportunity — connecting oceans, markets and people. We also share a strong belief in the importance of a rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation.”
He added: “Panama was the first country in Latin America which Singapore signed an FTA with. There is much more we can do together, especially in logistics, given our roles as major air and maritime hubs.”
Prime Minister Wong said he looked forward to building on the existing foundations and creating new opportunities for businesses and people in both countries.
Source: MFA Singapore
