Panama, Venezuela, and the Responsibility to Defend Democracy

For Panama, a country built on democratic values, Venezuela's turmoil is a moral concern and a regional reality. Panama's position is unequivocal: democracy must be respected, and the will of the people cannot be ignored. The approach to Venezuela is consistent with Panama's broader worldview, addressing humanitarian consequences and economic impacts on the region.


Panama, Venezuela, and the Responsibility to Defend Democracy

For Panama, a country built on democratic values and international connectivity, Venezuela’s turmoil is both a moral concern and a regional reality. Panama’s position is unequivocal: democracy must be respected, and the will of the people cannot be ignored. We do so not only because it aligns with our interests, but because it reflects who we are: a nation committed to connecting, facilitating, and building bridges – even in times of profound uncertainty.

Panama Promotes Peace. Panama’s approach to Venezuela is consistent with our broader worldview. The humanitarian consequences of Venezuela’s crisis – mass migration, social dislocation, and deep human suffering – have tested the conscience of the hemisphere. Panama believes that silence or neutrality in the face of democratic erosion is not an option. The Venezuelan crisis is a test – not only for Venezuela, but for all nations that claim to value freedom. Panama’s own history teaches us that stability and prosperity flourish only where legitimacy, transparency, and the rule of law prevail. Promoting peace does not mean avoiding difficult conversations; it means insisting that conflicts be resolved through legitimate institutions and democratic processes. Panama stands ready to support regional and international efforts that advance dialogue, protect human dignity, and restore democratic order.

The Economic Impact. One such impact has been economic. The breakdown of Venezuelan commerce has significantly reduced trade flows, illustrating how political crises do not remain confined within borders but ripple across entire regions. For decades, Venezuela was among its most important markets. Any durable solution must be rooted in those principles and achieved through peaceful, democratic means. Our national DNA is not to divide, but to connect – to connect oceans, markets, cultures, and peoples. Yet economics tell only part of the story. This stance is not ideological; it is principled. This responsibility carries weight.