Hanoi:Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung met with Panamanian Minister Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez in Hanoi during the official visit by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino Quintero to Vietnam from October 5-8.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the visit is seen as a significant milestone in the relations between Vietnam and Panama, marking 51 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 28, 1975. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties in various fields.
Minister Martínez-Acha expressed admiration for Vietnam’s progress in economic development, foreign affairs, and international integration. He highlighted Panama’s intention to enhance its relationship with Vietnam, appreciating the importance of Vietnam’s position in Southeast Asia.
The discussions included a review of bilateral cooperation, with both ministers agreeing that their foreign ministries should continue implementing agreements reached during President Mulino’s visit. They emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level visits and meetings at international conferences, and continuing existing cooperation mechanisms, such as political consultations and the Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation.
Both sides committed to enhancing cooperation in areas such as economy, investment, security, education, culture, and tourism, and to support the effective functioning of diplomatic missions and Vietnam’s Honorary Consul in Panama. Plans to open a Vietnamese Embassy in Panama were also discussed.
The ministers encouraged businesses to expand investment and business links, leveraging Panama’s strengths as a maritime transit hub and regional center for aviation, logistics, and finance, alongside Vietnam’s strengths in manufacturing, export, economy, and digital services.
Additionally, they agreed to work with relevant ministries to develop a joint action program to implement high-level commitments and agreements, and to promote negotiations on documents necessary for a robust legal framework for long-term cooperation. Cooperation and mutual support at international organizations and multilateral forums, including the United Nations, were also highlighted as priorities to contribute to peace, cooperation, and development globally and in their respective regions.