Visit to Japan by the President of Panama, H.E. José Raúl Mulino
H.E. José Raúl Mulino, President of the Republic of Panama, paid an official visit to Japan from 2 to 7 September 2025 in order to participate in Panama’s National Day at Expo Osaka 2025 and to strengthen the political, economic, and cultural ties between Panama and Japan.
As part of his official agenda, President Mulino held a bilateral summit with the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Shigeru Ishiba, during which both leaders reaffirmed the close friendship that unites the two countries. The meeting emphasized the importance of the Panama Canal as a fundamental pillar of global maritime trade and as an essential route for Japan’s energy security, given that Japan is one of its principal users. Prime Minister Ishiba recognized Panama’s role in promoting a free, safe, and rules-based maritime order, while President Mulino reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the Canal’s operational capacity and logistic diversification for the benefit of the international community.
In the context of the visit, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, Dr. Ritter Díaz, had the honor of participating in a solemn ceremony during which President Mulino decorated Mr. Seishiro Eto, former member of the Diet and former President of the Japan–Panama Parliamentary League, who received the Order of Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Grand Cross Grade, in recognition of his decisive role in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. President Mulino also decorated Mr. Nobuyuki Wada, a distinguished figure in Japan’s maritime sector, with the Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero, for his invaluable contribution to promoting the Panamanian ship registry in Japan.
Dr. Díaz also participated in the Panama–Japan Investment and Business Opportunities Seminar, organized by JETRO in Tokyo, where President Mulino delivered the opening address and the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Julio Moltó, presented Panama’s economic outlook to more than 150 Japanese business leaders. The minister highlighted Panama’s role as a logistics and financial platform for the Americas, as well as the special regimes that facilitate foreign investment. He also underscored infrastructure and energy projects open to international participation and the new opportunities arising from Panama’s accession to the Southern Common Market (Mercosur).
President Mulino’s visit additionally included a Maritime Seminar in Tokyo, organized by the Panama Maritime Authority and the Embassy of Panama in Japan. At this event, President Mulino delivered an inaugural message highlighting the strategic importance of the Panamanian Ship Registry for Japan’s maritime sector. In parallel, the Panama Canal Authority presented progress on the Gas Pipeline Project, a far-reaching initiative aimed at diversifying the Canal’s revenue streams, expanding its portfolio of logistical services, and strengthening Panama’s competitiveness in the face of emerging global trade demands.
On 6 September, Dr. Díaz took part in the celebration of Panama’s National Day at Expo Osaka 2025, an official ceremony held at the “Ray Garden,” where Panamanian cultural expressions were showcased and Panama reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation.
Following the National Day ceremony, Dr. Díaz was also invited by the Expo Osaka 2025 Secretariat to attend the official luncheon offered in honor of H.E. José Raúl Mulino, an occasion during which Japanese and Panamanian authorities exchanged views on the continued strengthening of the excellent relations between the two nations.
The participation of Dr. Ritter Díaz in these official events reaffirms JAPOLAC’s commitment to actively supporting the reinforcement of relations between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as to promoting initiatives that enhance connectivity, trade, culture, and international cooperation.
