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Mexico-Panama relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Mexico and Panama. Both nations are mutual members of the Association of Caribbean States, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Latin American Integration Association, Organization of Ibero-American States and the Organization of American States.
Contents
History
Mexico and Panama share a common history in the fact that both nations were colonized by the Spanish empire. In 1821, both nations obtained independence from Spain and Panama became part of the Gran Colombia. In 1831, the Gran Colombia dissolved into three separate nations (Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela) with Panama remaining part of Colombia. In 1856, Mexico opened a consular office in Panama City which was under the administration of the Mexican Legation in Bogotá. In 1899, Colombia and Panama were involved in an internal political war known as the Thousand Days' War which lasted until 1902. The United States took advantage of the war to build a canal in Panama and when Colombia refused to ratify the Hay–Herrán Treaty; the United States sponsored a rebellion for the separation of Panama from Colombia. On 3 November, 1903; Panama became an independent nation. Mexico and Panama established diplomatic relations on 1 March, 1904.
During the 1970s, Mexico became a vocal supporter for dialogue between Panama and the United States for eventual Panamanian control of the Panama Canal. In 1977, Panama and the United States signed the Torrijos–Carter Treaties giving Panama eventual control of the canal in December 1999. During the 1980s, foreign ministers of Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela created the Contadora Group in order to diplomatically try to resolve the crisis facing many Central American nations at the time.
In 1989, Mexico and Panama withdrew their respective ambassadors after the accusations from the United States and international community that the former Panamanian President Manuel Noriega was involved in money laundering and was not democratically elected. In December 1989, the United States invaded Panama and removed Noriega from power. In September 1992, Mexico and Panama re-established full diplomatic relations.
Today, bilateral relations between Mexico and Panama are continuously active and strong. There have been numerous high-level presidential visits between leaders of both nations over the years.
State visits
Presidential visits from Mexico to Panama
Presidential visits from Panama to Mexico
Trade relations
In April 2014, both nations signed a free trade agreement. In 2014, two-way trade between both nations amounted to $1 billion USD. Panama is Mexico's fourth biggest trading partner in Central America. In 2013, Mexican investments in Panama amounted to $2.63 billion (USD).