Visiting Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela (1st R) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (1st L) inaugurate the Panamanian Embassy in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela on Thursday reiterated the country’s adherence to the one China policy, noting that Panama will develop a friendly relationship with China that can lead to mutual benefits and win-win results.
The remarks were made during the inauguration ceremony of the Panama Embassy in Beijing. Both Panamanian President Varela and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the event. Varela is visiting China from Nov. 16 to 22. This marks the first trip by a Panamanian leader to China since the two nations established diplomatic ties on June 13.
“The establishment of the Panama Embassy in China is a historic event. Two months ago, China’s national flag flew in the heart of America – Panama, and today, the Panamanian flag is waving in the heart of China – its capital Beijing. I’m glad that Panama has officially established ties with the great Chinese people,” Varela was quoted as saying by Xinhua News Agency.
According to Xinhua, the two nations will sign over 20 contracts during Varela’s visit to China, covering a wide range of areas. Varela will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, in an effort to boost cooperation and trade between the two nations.
Wang congratulated the great outcomes achieved by the two nations, noting that Panama’s decision to establish diplomatic ties with China is a correct choice that can “endure the test of time and history.”
“Panama's president always talks about his country’s dream, while our president Xi Jinping also tells the world about our Chinese dream. Our dreams are connected, as they all aim to improve the people’s livings and seek for world peace,” Wang added.