Neutrality of the Panama Canal and regional challenges: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives the minister of foreign affairs of Panama
Bern, 08.06.2026 — Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the foreign minister of Panama, Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, in Bern. The two ministers had bilateral talks and a working lunch together. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as major regional and international topics. The meeting was also marked by the inauguration of the new Panamanian embassy in Switzerland.
The talks focused on Switzerland's accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. Mr Cassis handed over a copy of the instrument of accession at the meeting. This gesture reaffirms Switzerland's commitment to international law, freedom of navigation and global trade. The two ministers welcomed this step as a strong signal of mutual trust and cooperation against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.
They also discussed maritime issues, which have long been a pillar of the countries' bilateral relations. Although landlocked, Switzerland operates over 900 ships through Swiss companies and has the 14th largest merchant fleet in the world. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a strong multilateral framework in this area. The ministers also discussed their shared interest in science diplomacy. In this context, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), founded in 2019 at Switzerland's initiative, was highlighted as a platform for leveraging science and innovation to address global diplomatic issues.
The talks then extended to regional dynamics in the Americas, in particular the situation in Cuba and Venezuela, and the prospects for regional stabilisation. They also reviewed the Federal Council's new Americas Strategy 2026–29 and the prospects it opens up for bilateral cooperation with Panama.
Inauguration of the new Panamanian embassy
The day ended with the inauguration of the new embassy of Panama in Bern – the third embassy to open in the federal capital this year, following those of Armenia and Montenegro. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cassis welcomed this sign of friendship. He pointed out that this shared outlook is now reflected in Switzerland's accession to the protocol on the neutrality of the canal.