Panama and Venezuela Renew Consular Relations Amid Past Tensions

Panama and Venezuela are set to restore consular services soon, reopening diplomatic channels nearly a year after Panama suspended them due to controversial Venezuelan elections. The elections had faced allegations of fraud, prompting Panama to break diplomatic ties and halt flights. Relations now normalize with restored flight services.

In a significant development, Panama and Venezuela are poised to revive consular services within their nations, as confirmed by Panama's Foreign Affairs Ministry late Thursday. This move comes almost a year after a diplomatic rift caused by disputed Venezuelan elections led to the suspension of these services.

The initial breakdown in diplomatic ties occurred on July 29, 2024, when Panama withdrew its diplomats from Caracas, following allegations of fraudulent elections that reelected President Nicolás Maduro. Panama had supported Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, contrasting the official election results.

Despite the tensions, Venezuela had suspended flights between the two countries, a decision that was reversed on May 22. Although Panama also sought a resolution to the migrant transit issue, Thursday's announcement focused solely on resuming consular services.

(With inputs from agencies.)