The President expressed satisfaction at the fact that the two countries have stepped up friendly cooperation in a variety of fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962. He also commented that President Martinelli's visit to Korea, the first by a Panamanian head of state, would add great momentum to the development of bilateral relations. The Panamanian President showed keen interest in learning from Korea's experience in economic growth and hoped that Korean businesses would take part in resources development and infrastructure construction projects in Panama.
In response, the President called on the visiting President to provide active support to Korean enterprises so that they will be able to participate in the infrastructure expansion projects initiated by the Panamanian Government. Panama is now planning on expanding the Panama Canal and building multi-purpose dams as well as constructing subways and railroads. In connection with mine development projects, President Martinelli vowed to make efforts to facilitate the advancement of competitive foreign businesses, including Korean companies, into the mining industry in Panama through the speedy revision of relevant laws.
Concerning the Panamanian President's request to expand development cooperation, the President said the Korean Government would continue to assist Panama's drive to establish an e-government. The President went on to say that Korea would also transfer its development experiences to Panama through the Knowledge Sharing Program.
The President expressed his appreciation for Panama's support and collaboration in Korea's effort to resolve the nuclear problems with North Korea. For his part, President Martinelli pledged to continue to take an interest in the issue and work together for the advancement of the North's denuclearization in the years to come. On top of this, the two Presidents saw eye to eye on the necessity to expand Korean-Central American cooperation via regional organizations such as SICA. They also exchanged views on other global issues, including the G20 Seoul Summit and climate change.
With the Presidents in attendance, the two nations inked a double taxation avoidance agreement. On a separate occasion, the Busan Port Authority and the Panama Maritime Authority signed an MOU aimed at increasing the volume of maritime trade.
President Martinelli's visit to Korea this time has served as a significant opportunity to strengthen substantive, bilateral cooperation, including the increased advance of Korean businesses into the Central American nation.
souce: Cheong Wa Dae
