Above: The meeting in Antigua (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama President Ricardo Martinelli and Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla met in Antigua, Guatemala Saturday to analyze strategies on the fight against drug trafficking in the region.

The two leaders were joined by representatives from Honduras, Belize, El Salvador and Nicaragua at the meeting, which was hosted by Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina.

A major point of discussion was Molina’s recent proposal to decriminalize drugs in a bit to reduce drug-related crime.

In a speech, Martinelli said Molina’s proposal was one that had opened a large debate that deserved discussion and analysis.

He also said it was important the Central America’s countries must discuss strategies to combat drug trafficking, with Panama continuing to invest resources in the fight.

Panama’s delegation included Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez, Vice Minister of Security Alexander Garuz and Panamanian Ambassador to Guatemala Irving Centeno.