Panama to open embassy in Jordan as ties set to expand

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met with President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela to discuss bilateral relations and the latest regional and international developments, according to a Royal Court statement.

During the meeting, attended by TRH Prince Feisal and Prince Ali at Al Husseiniya Palace, the importance of expanding cooperation between the two countries in all areas was highlighted, especially economic, investment, security, energy and marine navigation fields, the statement said. 

His Majesty stressed the depth of relations between the two countries, and the importance of this visit in strengthening the Jordanian-Panamanian ties and building on them to expand cooperation and enhance economic exchange between the two countries.

King Abdullah expressed his appreciation for Varela’s participation in the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2018 that started at the Dead Sea on Monday.

For his part, the Panamanian leader said he was pleased with his visit to Jordan, stressing his admiration for His Majesty’s leadership and efforts in achieving stability and peace as well as promoting dialogue worldwide and among followers of all religions, which is of great importance to Panama.

He added that the visit was an opportunity to bring Latin America and the Middle East closer. Varela pointed out Panama’s willingness to increase trade exchange and tourism cooperation between the two countries, and working with Jordan to build a safer world through close cooperation in the security field.

Varela expressed his delight for participating in the Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2018, and his admiration for the level of organisation and professionalism the Kingdom displayed while hosting the event as well as Jordan’s commitment to the goal of combating child labour.

He noted that the media in Latin America only focuses on the conflicts in the region, overlooking the fact that there are in this part of the world people who are working hard to build a better future for their people and the region.

The president said that the relations between the two countries will witness development after this visit, which will contribute to achieving economic and social progress. Varela added that he will send a delegation to Jordan and work on opening a Panamanian embassy in Amman. 

His Majesty King Abdullah pointed out the investment and competitive benefits available in the Jordanian economy, the Kingdom’s strategic location and the free trade agreements between Jordan and key world economies. 

During the meeting, which continued over a lunch banquet, challenges and crises witnessed by the Middle East were reviewed, along with the efforts made to forge political solutions that would restore security and stability for the people of the region.

King Abdullah stressed the need to intensify efforts to break the deadlock in the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis to reach a lasting peace based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The King emphasised reinforcing efforts made in the war against terrorism, within a holistic strategy, and enhancing cooperation between the two countries in regards to this matter.

Varela expressed his country’s appreciation for Jordan’s pivotal role, under the leadership of His Majesty, to reach political solutions to crises witnessed by the region, praising Jordan’s humanitarian approach to refugees.