China Proposes to Panama to Strengthen Cooperation and Trust while Celebrating its 77th Anniversary.

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Panama celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Asian nation with an official reception that combined its cultural and gastronomic expressions.  The event was attended by representatives of the national government, leaders of the private sector, members of the diplomatic corps, and various actors from Panamanian society.  United States ambassador, Kevin Marino Cabrera was not seen or heard from at this event.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Zhang Xiangyan highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, which date back more than 170 years to the arrival of the first Chinese workers to the isthmus.  He called for maintaining strong trust between the two countries.

Ambassador Xiangyan said “As long as China and Panama always safeguard the core interests of our respective countries and peoples, maintain strong trust, overcome interference, and move forward in the same direction, I am convinced that China and Panama can support each other, achieve new accomplishments, and advance together toward a better future.” 

The diplomat highlighted China’s support for Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal and its unwavering support for Panama’s neutrality. He also expressed his gratitude for the Panamanian government’s adherence to the “One China” principle throughout the nine years of diplomatic relations.

Mutual Benefit.

The ambassador mentioned the continued growth of trade between the two nations, which has doubled since the establishment of diplomatic relations.  Among the benefits he mentioned were the presence of more than 200 Chinese companies in Panamanian territory, the increase in Panamanian coffee exports to the Chinese market, and the construction of the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal, carried out by Chinese companies, which will optimize the daily mobility of almost one million citizens.

“We are willing to continue strengthening cooperation with Panama in areas such as construction, well drilling, agriculture, health, science and technology, and to contribute with concrete actions to improve the well-being of Panamanians,” the ambassador said.

Furthermore, he highlighted the Asian nation’s willingness to strengthen ties of friendship between the two countries through cultural and educational integration. Nearly 10,000 Panamanians from various sectors have traveled to China to participate in training programs, and more than 400 have received scholarships.

Panama Highlights the Value of the Chinese Community.

For his part, Panama’s Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Carlos Guevara Mann, acknowledged the significant role and impact of the Chinese community in the country. “It has been a fundamental pillar in the development of our infrastructure, our cultural identity, our gastronomy, and our economy,” he emphasized.  The deputy minister indicated that China is the second largest user of the Panama Canal, the main supplier to the Colón Free Zone, and the second country with the largest number of ships registered under the Panamanian flag.