Panama, February 4, 2026.- The Ministry of Culture of Panama and the Smithsonian Institute of Tropical Research (STRI) signed a Cultural Cooperation Convention that marks the start of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening scientific research, heritage management and technical and educational exchange in the country.

The agreement was signed by María Eugenia Herrera, Minister of Culture, and Oris Sanjur, Acting Director of the STRI, at a protocolary event held in the City of the Arts with the participation of authorities from both institutions and special guests.

Based on Act No. 90 of 2019 and the recognition of Smithsonian as an international mission to Panama, this convention lays down mechanisms for collaboration in areas such as archaeology, anthropology, geology and paleontology, as well as protection of at-risk property sites, joint training, shared access to scientific documentation and dissemination of studies of common interest.

The signing of this instrument will make it possible to coordinate projects, share resources and generate specialized knowledge that contributes to the conservation of the Panamanian cultural heritage and to sustainable development, in partnership with one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the world.