On September 26th, a significant milestone was reached as Panama officially joined the growing IORIS community. The IORIS Trial Agreement was formally delivered during a ceremony presided over by Subcom. Mayco Palacio, National Director of Aeronaval Operations, alongside Izabela Matusz, EU Ambassador to Panama, and Diego Ron Gonzales, CRIMARIO Regional Representative. This partnership marks a critical step forward in strengthening international cooperation and enhancing maritime security capabilities in the region.
The partnership formalises a comprehensive cooperation mechanism, enabling the use of a state-of-the-art maritime cooperation and information-sharing platform. This system provides Panama with enhanced capabilities to communicate and coordinate and respond to maritime incidents, ultimately improving the country’s ability to safeguard its vast territorial waters.
The Panama National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) will be the primary operator of the platform within the country, leveraging IORIS’s advanced features for maritime situational awareness and coordination. This integration strengthens Panama’s operational capabilities, allowing for a more effective and coordinated response to potential threats, such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, and other illicit maritime activities.
By accessing the platform, Panama gains access to a comprehensive network of maritime agencies and organizations that are part of the Indo-Pacific region’s efforts to bolster maritime safety and security.
The integration of Panama into the IORIS network signifies the growing international collaboration aimed at strengthening maritime security across global waterways. Panama’s strategic location and its role as a major global shipping hub make it a vital partner in the ongoing efforts to ensure safe and secure seas, not only in the Indo-Pacific but also across the Caribbean and Atlantic regions.
The partnership with IORIS is just one aspect of Panama’s ongoing efforts to boost maritime security and sustainable governance. Panama has long been recognized as a leader in maritime affairs, and this latest move further reinforces its dedication to protecting its maritime domain while contributing to international cooperation initiatives. By adopting innovative technologies and collaborating with global partners, Panama is positioning itself as a key player in the collective efforts to combat illegal maritime activities and promote safer seas. The Panama National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) is already actively involved in safeguarding Panama’s territorial waters. With IORIS now integrated into its operations, SENAN will be better equipped to detect and respond to suspicious activities, ensuring a robust maritime defence system that protects Panama’s resources and security interests.