The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yoko Kamikawa, arrived on the morning of Friday, February 23, in Panama to begin an official visit in order to strengthen the “historic” diplomatic ties of both countries, since this year marks 120 years of bilateral relations.
Kamikawa plans to meet this Friday morning with the Panamanian president, Laurentino Cortizo, and visit the Panama Canal. If the agenda allows it, you will meet with Japanese businessmen in Panama, a country from which they not only promote economic relations but also serves as a bridge with the rest of Central America, according to Tokyo.
The chancellor, in a written message released today by her work team, pointed out that her presence in Panama has two purposes: “to further strengthen our historic bilateral relationship” and “to start a Japanese diplomatic initiative for Latin America, together with Panama, in which the countries of the region participate.”
In addition, he emphasized that Japan and Panama maintain a diplomatic relationship of 120 years of history, his country being “the first Panamanian diplomatic partner in Asia.”
“Since then, relations between Japan and Panama have been developed through shared values and principles, economic relations around the Canal and personal exchanges between the two countries,” the minister added.
And he pointed out that this “historic bilateral relationship must continue to be reinforced in a concrete way in the face of the ‘Future’, taking advantage of this year the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Panama as an opportunity.”
The two countries have strengthened their diplomatic relationship in recent years, as the minister recalled. The Panamanian Foreign Ministry announced last January that from April, Panamanians will not need a visa to enter the Asian country. In addition, in 2023, Panama signed a millionaire loan with Japan to continue the execution of Line 3 of the Metro.
“The project of Line 3 of the Panama Metro, a new symbol of cooperation between Japan and Panama, has also been steadily advancing (…). Last month, some train wagons arrived from Japan at the City of the Future station. I hope for the day when the ‘Future’ of the two countries’ relations will contribute to a better life for everyone in Panama,” Kamikawa concluded.
The loan of 92 billion yen (about 625.9 million dollars) for Metro Line 3 – which will benefit more than 500,000 inhabitants of the province of Panama West, adjacent to the capital – is “the largest Japanese yen loan project in the Latin American region, and symbolizes Japan’s commitment to sustainable economic development and environmental protection in Panama.”