First Ladies of Guatemala and Panama meet in Panama

On 22–23 June, First Lady of Guatemala Dr Lucrecia Peinado accompanied her husband, President of Guatemala Bernardo Arévalo, on an official visit to Panama. Together with First Lady of Panama Maricel de Mulino, she took part in events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Congress of Panama — a historic milestone that advanced cooperation and mutual understanding among the newly independent states of Latin America.

As part of the commemorations, the presidential couples of Guatemala and Panama participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Simón Bolívar — the statesman and thinker whose vision of unity among the peoples of the Americas inspired the convening of the 1826 Congress.

The First Ladies also visited Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they viewed original documents from the Congress of Panama that had been returned to the country as part of the bicentenary commemorations. Particular attention was given to social and cultural initiatives: Dr Peinado and Mrs de Mulino visited the Charity Fair at Omar Park, the City of Arts, the historic Casco Viejo district, and Café Presidente, where they learned more about projects supporting local communities, promoting culture, and creating new opportunities for people.

Reflecting on the visit on social media, Maricel de Mulino highlighted the importance of personal connections and cooperation between countries:

“These days have provided an important opportunity to exchange experiences, reflect on our shared history, and strengthen the friendship between our peoples, reminding us that the ties that unite us remain just as important today as they were two centuries ago.”

Dr Lucrecia Peinado also reflected on the historical legacy of the event:

“Two centuries ago, the Liberator Simón Bolívar articulated his most ambitious vision: the unity of the peoples of the Americas, founded on cooperation and mutual understanding. May this ideal, proposed 200 years ago, continue to inspire our nations to work together, support one another, and pursue peace.”