Relaunch of collaborative relations, with Italy assisting Panama in its talks with the EU. This is the outcome of the meeting at the Quirinale between the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the President of Panama, José Raul Mulino Quintero. Space, universities, research, and infrastructure are the areas of concentration for partnership between the two countries. The Panamanian president proposed establishing a Forum for Business Collaboration. Additionally, the two leaders of state expressed concern over the international situation. The situation in Venezuela was also discussed; neither country recognizes Maduro as president. Finally, Mulino Quintero emphasized that Panama will remain firm on the issue of canal sovereignty, hoping to have the support of the international community. (U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated, in his White House inauguration speech, his intent to regain direct control of the Panama Canal). President Mattarella noted that respecting friendly nations is a tradition of the Western world. Mulino is the Latin American president who is most connected with Western ideas and the most pro-US.