Panama–Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic relations

Panama–Sahrawi Republic relations refers to the current and historical relations between the Republic of Panama and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Panama was the first state of The Americas to recognize the SADR in July 1978,^[1] formal diplomatic relations were established on 1 June 1979.^[2] A Sahrawi embassy (the first on the American continent) was opened in Panama City in 1980,^[3] during the Aristides Royo government.

Panama–Sahrawi relations

Panama	Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

History

On 27 June 2007, President of the SADR Mohamed Abdelaziz received the press-attaché of the Foreign Minister of Panama.^[4]

In 2009, the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group was established for the exchange of legislative experience.^[5]

On 4 June 2009, Ali Mahamud Embarek presented his credentials as the new Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in Panama.^[6]

On 17 March 2010, Vice President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela and the Sahrawi Delegate Minister in Charge of Latin America Hash Ahmed signed a cultural and educational cooperation convention, giving Sahrawi students and professionals the opportunity of travelling to Panama to make advanced, specialized and grade studies.^[2] In September 2011, the Foreign Minister of Panama Roberto Henriquez while meeting the SADR Ambassador in Panama, stressed the importance of cooperation that both countries conducted in education and culture.^[5]

In September 2012, The Saharawi Ambassador was received by the Dean of Panama's Chiriquì University, Héctor Requena Núñez, during a visit made by the Ambassador to the University. The University provides scholarships for Sahrawi students. Sahrawi students were studying medicine in Panama at the time of the visit. Panama was the first Latin American country to host Sahrawi students in its universities.^[7]

On 4 April 2013, Foreign Minister Fernando Nunez Fabrega accepted the visit of the SADR Ambassador in Panama, Ali Mahamud Embarek. During the ceremonial hearing held in the Palacio Bolivar headquarters Foreign Ministry, the Saharawi diplomat reiterated the desire of Sahrawi authorities to continue strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.^[6][8] But on 20 November 2013 the Panamanian government decided to suspend diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.^[9][10][11]

On 18 December 2014, new Vice President of Panama Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado received Sahrawi Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Salem Ould Salek. The Sahrawi minister expressed the SADR's interest in restoring diplomatic relations between the two countries and reopening the Saharawi embassy in Panama.^[12]

Diplomatic relations were restored on 7 January 2016.^[13][14]

Diplomatic relations were suspended again on 21 November 2024.^[15]

International agreements

• Cultural and educational cooperation convention, signed on 17 March 2010, entered into force on 2 November 2010.^[2]

References

1. "States recognizing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic" (in Arabic). Official Website of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Archived from the original on 2007-10-31. Retrieved 2008-04-21.
2. "Panamá y Saharaui firman Convenio de Cooperación Cultural y Educativa" (in Spanish). PanamaAmerica.com.pa. 2010-03-17. Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
3. "Nuevos embajadores presentan Cartas Credenciales" (in Spanish). Gobierno Nacional - República de Panamá. 2009-06-04. Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2012-03-22.
4. "The President of the Republic receives the press-attaché of Panama´s Minister for FA". Sahara Press Service. 2007-06-27. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
5. "Canciller Henríquez se reúne con Embajador Árabe Saharaui" (in Spanish). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama. 2011-09-28. Archived from the original on 2011-10-28. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
6. "Canciller recibe visita de cortesía del Embajador árabe Saharaui" (in Spanish). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama. 2013-04-04. Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
7. "Ambassador Ali Mahmud received by Dean of Chiriquì University". Sahara Press Service. 2012-09-16. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
8. "Panamanian Chancellor receives Saharawi Ambassador". Sahara Press Service. 2010-04-06. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-25.
9. "Declaración de suspensión de relaciones diplomáticas con la República Árabe Saharaui Democrática" (in Spanish). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama. 2013-11-20. Archived from the original on 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2013-11-22.
10. "Panama announces the suspension of its recognition of the so-called "SADR"". Agence Maghreb Arab Presse. 2013-11-20. Retrieved 2013-11-20.
11. "Panama suspends relations with Arab republic". La Prensa. 2013-11-20. Retrieved 2013-11-20.
12. "Foreign Minister meets with Vice President of Panama". Sahara Press Service. 2014-12-18. Archived from the original on 2014-12-28. Retrieved 2014-12-28.
13. "Algeria: Sahrawi Embassy in Panama Reopens". AllAfrica. 2016-01-07. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
14. Mohamed, Jalil (2016-01-07). "La República Saharaui y la República de Panamá restablecen relaciones diplomáticas". Mundiario (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2023-04-09.
15. "Comunicado De Suspensión De Relaciones Diplomáticas Con La República Árabe Saharaui Democrática". MIRE-Panamá (in Spanish). 21 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.