The establishment of China-Panama diplomatic ties has opened a new chapter of relations for both countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a meeting with Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado, Panama’s vice president and foreign minister, in Beijing on Tuesday.
“Both China and Panama agree that the one-China principle is the fundamental premise and the political basis on which the two countries can establish diplomatic ties and develop bilateral relations. We both agree that the establishment of bilateral ties will bring broad prospects for us to expand the comprehensive cooperation of mutual benefits,” Wang said.
He said the two sides would engage in friendly exchanges of various levels and areas, and deepen political mutual trust, adding that China welcomes Panama’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.
The two countries will also have communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, help deepen friendly cooperation between China and Latin America as well as the Caribbean area, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and promote peace, stability and development in the world, Wang said.
According to the joint communique signed by China and Panama, the two countries, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.
The two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, the communique said.
Under the communique, Panama recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
Panama also severs “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan as of this day and undertakes not to have any more official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan, the communique said.
During a press briefing after the meeting, Wang said Panama is an important Latin American country, and the Chinese people value the traditional friendship with the Panamanian people.
He said the political decision made by Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and the Panamanian government meets the fundamental interests of the country. (Reuters)