Foreign Minister Álvarez emphasizes regional unity at OAS Assembly

Panama City.- Representing President Luis Abinader, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez participated in the bicentennial commemoration of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, held during the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States, where he called for stronger regional cooperation to address the challenges facing the Americas.

Delivering a message on behalf of the Dominican president, Álvarez highlighted the historical significance of the congress convened by Simón Bolívar in 1826, describing it as the first major effort to establish lasting mechanisms of cooperation among the newly independent American republics. He noted that, despite major technological and communication advances over the past two centuries, building durable political consensus remains one of the region’s greatest challenges.

“The nations of the Americas advance more when they cooperate than when they isolate themselves,” Álvarez said, stressing that the response to global and regional challenges should be greater multilateralism rather than isolation. He urged countries across the hemisphere to embrace leadership that combines strategic vision with practical cooperation.

The event, organized by the Government of Panama, also included the signing of the Panama Declaration, through which participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, peace, human rights, international law, and regional cooperation. The declaration also highlighted a shared commitment to tackling poverty, inequality, organized crime, and climate change while promoting prosperity and well-being throughout the Americas.