Panama Delegation in Japan Advances Talks on Direct Flights with ANA

A delegation led by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino Quintero has arrived in Japan and announced that they are advancing discussions toward launching nonstop flights linking Japan and Panama.

Foreign Minister Martínez-Acha visited All Nippon Airways (ANA) and stated that the parties have moved a step closer to realizing nonstop service. Currently, travel typically requires connections via U.S. West Coast cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. He added, “Strengthened connectivity with Asia will further elevate Panama’s strategic position.”

Panama is the home base of Copa Airlines, which, like ANA, is a member of the Star Alliance. Copa Airlines operates an extensive network throughout Central and South America.

On September 4, a welcome reception was held at the Imperial Hotel, attended by about 500 guests, including Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiroaki Nakano and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Fujii. On September 5, President Mulino held a meeting and working lunch with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, agreeing to strengthen bilateral relations. On September 6, Panama observed its National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and the delegation attended related events.

For Panama, Japan is the largest donor. In 2020, Japan provided USD 19.26 million in assistance and cooperated on initiatives such as the Panama Metro Line 3 project. Japan is also strengthening investment and cooperation to support the stable operation and functional enhancement of the Panama Canal. (Photo: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan)