Diplomatic Salon with the Embassy of Panama Explores Global Trade Resilience Amid Regional Tensions
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Against the backdrop of disruptions to international shipping routes and growing concern over possible damage to global supply chains, a special Diplomatic Salon was held last night in Tel Aviv. Hosted by the Center for Jewish Impact and the Embassy of Panama in Israel, the event brought together representatives of the diplomatic community, ambassadors, senior business leaders, and experts in the fields of ports, infrastructure, trade, and security.
The meeting took place amid mounting tensions in the Middle East and their impact on the world’s major maritime trade routes. In recent weeks, concerns have intensified over possible disruptions to freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most strategic trade routes, through which a significant share of global oil and goods shipments passes each day. Any disruption to traffic through the strait could have an immediate impact on energy prices, shipping times, and the stability of international supply chains.
The event was held under the title “Strategic Connectors in a Fragmenting World: How Panama and Israel Navigate Global Trade, Resilience, and Responsibility” The discussion focused on the roles of Israel and Panama as strategic connectors in the global trade network, the resilience of national infrastructure, and preparations for an evolving geopolitical reality.
Robert Singer, Chairman of the Center for Jewish Impact, said at the event:
“Panama and Israel are exemplary models of how countries can strengthen global connectivity and transform their strategic locations into engines of cooperation, growth, and stability. At a time when the world is becoming increasingly fragmented and complex, it is especially important to build new bridges between countries, advance practical solutions, and strengthen ties among the diplomatic community, the business sector, and decision-makers”.
Ezra Cohen, Panama’s Ambassador to Israel, spoke about Israeli innovation and the potential to deepen cooperation between the two countries:
“Israelis wake up every morning to challenges, find solutions, and even manage to turn those challenges into opportunities. In Panama, we face our own challenges, and I find solutions in Israel that can be brought back to Panama. Not long ago, an Israeli president landed in Panama for the first time. Seeing an El Al aircraft there was an incredibly moving moment - it brought tears to my eyes”.
Pinhas Tzruya, CEO of the Israel Ports Company, addressed the urgent need to advance additional solutions for international trade routes:
“We saw how easy it is to disrupt global trade with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. We must think about additional solutions. The direction Israel is taking by advancing the IMEC project is the right one. The government has already made the decision to move the project forward, and we are already working on its implementation. We have begun advancing inland ports that will receive and handle the cargo. We are preparing for it. Governments must work together, and we must move forward”.
During the discussion, participants emphasized that recent developments in the Red Sea, together with tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, have demonstrated the need for countries around the world to diversify their trade routes and develop new economic corridors. They noted that alongside the challenges, there is also an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and establish infrastructure that will enhance the economic and logistical resilience of countries in the region.
The discussion also highlighted that regional and international initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) could, in the future, serve as a strategic alternative to traditional trade routes, strengthen connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, and contribute to long-term economic stability for all participating partners.
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