President José Mulino of Panama signed Executive Decree No. 16 on August 31, 2026, to formalize the inclusion of Ecuador in the Official Gazette. ^[1] The Ecuadorian-Panamanian Business Council reported on September 1, 2026, that Ecuador was officially incorporated into Panama's list of friendly countries. ^[2] Panamanian influencer Abraham Pino publicly denounced the theft of a necklace valued at nearly $20,000 from his residence. ^[3] Ekaterina Brendina, popularly known as Panarusa, returned to Panama after living in the United States for a year and four months. ^[4] Ecuadorian citizens will now be eligible to apply for the permanent resident migration subcategory for Friendly Countries, subject to meeting specific requirements and procedures. ^[5] The official inclusion recognizes Ecuador as a strategic priority partner and strengthens the framework of cooperation and reciprocity between the two nations. ^[6] Abraham Pino claimed to have identified the suspect as a woman who entered his home in the presence of his mother to commit the theft. ^[7] Pino issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the necklace to be returned, threatening to file a formal legal complaint and publicly identify the suspect with evidence if it was not recovered. ^[8]