Panama Pushes Regional Rotation for Next UN Secretary-General

Washington, October 28: Panama has urged the United States to support regional rotation as a guiding principle in choosing the next UN Secretary-General. Panama contends that when Antonio Guterres's term expires later this year, the position should go to a candidate from Latin America or the Caribbean.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino raised the question during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, according to statements released by both governments.

Panama's Foreign Ministry stated that the two leaders agreed the election of the next UN head must rest on wide international consensus.

Mulino underlined that Latin American and Caribbean countries expect the selection process to honour the informal tradition of rotating top UN leadership among geographic regions.

He contended that the post should be held this time by someone from the region.

The US State Department acknowledged that Rubio and Mulino talked about the Secretary-General race but did not say where Washington stands on regional rotation.

The talks come as UN member nations prepare to pick Guterres's replacement. His second five-year term ends on December 31.

Panama's Foreign Ministry noted that both leaders considered it important for the international body to be led by a capable candidate with broad backing.

Mulino singled out the wish of Latin American and Caribbean countries for greater representation in senior global posts.

Neither government endorsed any candidate or announced a shared stance.

The discussion also touched on relief and reconstruction in Panama following the October 9 earthquake.

According to the State Department, Rubio restated Washington's backing for Panama as it rebuilds. US assistance reached affected areas within 24 hours of the quake, including food, water, communications gear, logistical help, and urban search-and-rescue teams.

Mulino thanked Washington for humanitarian support and for dispatching staff to assess structural damage.

Panama's Foreign Ministry said American assistance had helped reconstruction efforts move forward. The conversation also covered democracy in the region, though neither government shared details about a specific concern or initiative.

The State Department said the exchange reaffirmed the strengthening partnership between the United States and Panama.

The talks addressed two significant diplomatic issues: cooperation after a natural disaster and the choice of the UN's next leader.