Issues such as bilateral relations, cooperation in energy infrastructure and economic and commercial cooperation were addressed during a meeting between Panamanian Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney Mencomo and the main political adviser in the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea, Jang Sung-Min,
Senior officials highlighted the historic relationship between Panama and Korea that last year reached 60 years of diplomatic relations, which have been fruitful and complementary, adding eight (8) official visits, ten (10) agreements signed, two (2) Political Consultation Mechanisms and a free trade agreement (FTA).
Minister Tewaney highlighted the significant presence of Korean companies operating in Panama, creating job opportunities and contributing to the development of emblematic infrastructure and investment projects. In addition, he indicated that, with the FTA instrument, an opportunity to diversify exports is presented for the Isthmus.
He also expressed Panama’s interest in signing cooperation agreements that allow access to the experience and knowledge developed by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), taking advantage of the potential in agricultural matters and international collaboration.
During the meeting, the head of Panamanian diplomacy stressed that Panama is a country committed to international peace and security and maintains the interest of having the Asian country as a potential ally for the establishment of the Pharmaceutical Hub in the Isthmus to reduce the prices of medicines, generate new products, and the training of Panamanian professionals.
The high authorities expressed the interest in strengthening cooperation and analyzed exploring new opportunities in the consolidation of a robust bilateral agenda in the most diverse areas, including commercial, agricultural, cultural and scientific-technical aspects, maritime transport and logistics.
The deputy chancellor, Vladimir Franco Sousa; the deputy minister of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation, Yill Otero; the deputy minister of foreign trade of the Ministry of Trade and Industries (MICI), Juan Carlos Sosa; the director of Pro Panama, Carmen Gisela Vergara and the Minister Minister of Private Investment Facilitation, José Alejandro Rojas Pardini, participated in that meeting.