At the start of his visit to Latin America, the Federal President held talks with Panama’s President, Raúl Mulino in Panama City. It is the first time a German Federal President has ever visited the Central American country.

At their joint press conference, the Federal President stressed that Germany is keen to deepen its political and economic partnerships across the region: Partnerships with sovereign, self‑confident states that have something to offer us, and to which we in turn can offer something — that is the purpose of these visits. He also paid particular tribute to Panama’s role as a reliable partner within the United Nations. As a non‑permanent member of the Security Council, Panama is using its position to strengthen multilateral cooperation and uphold a rules‑based international order.

The visit also focussed on the Panama Canal, the region’s central logistics and trade hub. It is the lifeline of Central America and one of the world’s most important waterways. During a visit to the Cocolí Locks at its Pacific entrance, the Federal President underlined the Panama Canal’s significance for the global economy.

In the 2025 financial year, more than 13,000 vessels passed through the canal, transporting around 260 million tonnes of goods.It is especially vital for shipping between the east and west coasts of the Americas and remains the country’s most important source of revenue. Around six percent of total global trade is conducted via this waterway. Panama is Germany’s most important export market in Central America. One aim of the visit is to explore ways to further deepen our economic relations.

Next destination on the itinerary: Guatemala. The visit to the largest country in Central America expresses support for the country’s endeavours to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Germany enjoys a good reputation in the country, not least because of the 75 years of good diplomatic relations. German products, such as cars, generators and machines, are sold and well regarded in Guatemala.

In his talks with President Bernardo Arévalo, the Federal President reaffirmed Germany’s role as a reliable partner. Germany intends to deepen its partnership with Guatemala in all areas, he stressed at their joint press conference. Germany is supporting Guatemala in strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption — not least to enhance the country’s attractiveness as a destination for investment.

At the Mayan archaeological site of Kaminal Juyú, the Federal President met representatives of indigenous groups. He praised the Guatemalan President’s commitment to integrating historically marginalised indigenous communities more fully into society.

He also visited Kaeser Kompressoren, a global market leader. The German family‑run company has been training skilled workers in Guatemala for years through its own dual vocational system. In the company workshop, the Federal President spoke with trainees from several Central American countries who are receiving hands‑on training in compressor technology. Next, he joined the celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of the German School of Guatemala, which since its founding in 1901 has stood for high‑quality education, cultural exchange and close German‑Guatemalan ties.

We can only marvel and show respect, said the Federal President during his tour through Tikal National Park in north‑eastern Guatemala. For the country, this site represents not only major tourism potential but also a symbol of national identity and the cultural continuity of its indigenous population.The Mayan ruins in the Selva Maya forest are among the largest and most striking remains of the classical Mayan civilisation. From the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD, the city was one of the most important political, religious and economic centres of its era. Its stone temples, palaces and public squares testify to sophisticated urban planning, advanced astronomical knowledge and the complex power structures that shaped Maya societies over the centuries.

The last destination on the itinerary is Mexico, a key player in the region and also a strategic partner for Germany as well as a member of the G20. It is Federal President Steinmeier’s second visit to the country during this term in office, thus underlining the important role Mexico plays for Germany. In addition to political talks, there will also be discussion on expanding our excellent economic ties. Numerous German companies export to Mexico or invest in the country.

In his talks with President Claudia Sheinbaum, the Federal President highlighted the excellent economic relations between the two countries. Germany is Mexico’s most important trading partner within the EU, and both sides are keen to see the swift conclusion of the modernised Global Agreement between the EU and Mexico so as to further deepen trade and investment.

• https://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Berichte/EN/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/2026/260316-20-Panama-Guatemala-Mexico.html