The Embassy of Panama in the Philippines is dedicated to strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting economic and cultural cooperation, and providing essential consular services to Panamanian citizens and residents in the Philippines. It strives to foster mutual understanding and partnership between the two nations.
José Raúl Mulino, who was born on June 13, 1959 in David, Chiriquí, Republic of Panama, was elected president in the general elections of May 5, 2024. Mulino, a lawyer by profession, has an extensive career in the legal, governmental and political fields.
Educated at Colegio San Vicente de Paúl in David, Chiriquí (today known as Colegio San Agustín), Mulino continued his higher education at Universidad Santa María La Antigua (USMA) in Panama, where he graduated in Law and Political Science in 1982. Subsequently, he obtained a Master's Degree in Maritime Law from Tulane University, New Orleans, in 1983.
Professionally, Mulino began his career as a lawyer in 1983 and rose to prominence as a founding partner of the law firm Fábrega, Molino & Mulino in 1988, where he remained until 2015. Since then, he has been counsel at the law firm Mulino & Mulino. His experience extends to the international maritime sector, where he has represented shipping companies, shipowners and banks in Europe and Asia since 1989.
Mulino's public career is equally remarkable. He began as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1990, and in 1993 was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he held until 1994. During his tenure, in April 1994, he was the first Panamanian foreign minister to visit Russia after 90 years of diplomatic relations. He also served as alternate judge of the Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice between 1994 and 1996. In the government of Ricardo Martinelli, he was appointed Minister of Government and Justice in 2009 and then Minister of Public Security in 2010, a position he held until 2014.
In the political arena, Mulino has led several parties, including the presidency of the Solidarity Party (2005-2008) and the Patriotic Union Party (2008-2011). In 2018, he was a presidential pre-candidate of the Democratic Change Party. Finally, on March 5, 2024, he became the presidential candidate of the Realizando Metas (RM) party and won the general elections in May of the same year.
Mulino is also known for his participation in the National Civilist Crusade, where he played a key role in the opposition to Manuel Antonio Noriega's regime, contributing to its fall in 1989. He has also held positions in the business sector, being president of APEDE and vice-president of CONEP between 1989 and 1990.
José Raúl Mulino has been married to Maricel Cohen since 1985 and is the father of four children: José Raúl Jr., Monique Alexandra, Alexandra Victoria and Verónica Isabel Mulino Cohen. He is also the grandfather of four grandchildren: Sofia Victoria, Samuel Ignacio, Isabella Mia and Camila Mar.
Mulino has received numerous decorations in recognition of his service, including the Grand Cross of the Republic of Panama, Colombia, Argentina, the Governorate of Antioquia and the Peruvian Cross of Naval Merit, among others.
On July 1, 2024, Mulino will assume the presidency, becoming Panama's seventh elected president in the democratic era, marking a new chapter in the country's political history.
Javier Martínez - Acha Vásquez has vast experience in the business world, consolidating his position as a key figure and reference in the national and international financial sector. With 27 years of experience in investments, finance and the stock market, he has actively contributed to the progress and economic development of the country.
During his professional career, he has held key positions in the business sector, serving as a commercial and private banking executive, advisor, financial consultant, treasurer, general manager and vice president of prestigious companies in the banking and financial sector in the country, demonstrating his ability to attract and manage important corporate portfolios at a global level.
As a certified securities broker, he has developed a comprehensive vision of the securities market, which has enabled him to position Geneva Asset Management, S.A., a company he co-founded, among the most respected in its field.
His professional career is complemented by a strong multidisciplinary academic background, with undergraduate degrees in Industrial Engineering, Economics, and Law and Political Science from prestigious universities such as Texas A&M University, Universidad Latina de Ciencias y Tecnología, and the University of London. At the postgraduate level, he holds degrees in International Economic Law, International Business Law, and a Master of Laws with a specialization in International Arbitration from the University of London.
Additionally, he is a member of the National Bar Association and is fluent in three languages: Spanish, English, and French, which will enable him to navigate and operate effectively in international and multicultural environments.
His experience, academic background, and personal skills will enable him to drive a foreign policy focused on promoting and attracting investments for the benefit of the Republic of Panama.
Ambassador Eduardo A. Young Virzi is a seasoned diplomat and business executive with over 25 years of experience in international relations, brand development, and strategic marketing. He currently serves as the Ambassador and Consul General of Panama to the Philippines, where he focuses on strengthening the bilateral relations of the two countries by spearheading economic and cultural initiatives and fostering political cooperation, among others.
Prior to his current posting, Ambassador Young served in various leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. He was previously posted as Ambassador to Vietnam and held key positions in multinational corporations across Latin America.
Ambassador Young holds a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Florida State University. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
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