Panama offers to host talks between Cuba and the United States

Panama's government reiterated its willingness to host possible talks between Cuba and the United States, offering neutral territory to facilitate rapprochement. The administration of José Raúl Mulino presented the initiative at the United Nations. The proposal says Panama could host conversations but does not announce the start of negotiations or a commitment by the parties.

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez supported opening that channel and expressed hope that both countries would use the opportunity. ‘We would like an opportunity for dialogue between Cuba and the United States,’ he said. The minister presented Panama's neutrality as a condition that, in his view, could help bring the governments closer and reduce tensions. His statement supports an offer of facilitation, not the existence of agreed talks.

The proposal was made at the United Nations in a context marked by a vote on a resolution opposing the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The General Assembly resolution is nonbinding. In that forum, Panama defended dialogue as a way to overcome differences between states and promote international cooperation. Presenting the offer there places it in the diplomatic sphere but does not itself alter Havana's or Washington's positions.

In the same intervention, Panama's ambassador called on Cuban authorities to move toward democratic institutions and respect human rights. That statement accompanied the offer of a venue with a political demand directed at Havana. The two governments have also maintained contacts for months, but their authorities have expressed differences over the scope of those conversations. The proposal therefore enters a setting of contacts and public disagreement.

Havana has said since June that it needs no mediators, while Panama's foreign minister has expressed hope for an opportunity to talk. The offer remains subject to both governments' willingness and is not a negotiation agreement. Panama is making a possible venue available; any progress would depend on Cuba and the United States agreeing to participate.