Wang Yi Speaks with Panamanian Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes on the Phone

On December 14, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Panamanian Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said, China sees Panama as an equal partner for strategic cooperation and has put Panama in an important position in China's diplomacy towards Latin America. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama is a right decision, in the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries, and able to withstand the test of time and history. China appreciates Panama's adherence to the one-China principle. It is the political foundation of bilateral ties. China, as Panama's good friend and good partner, will continue to support Panama's efforts to defend its legitimate rights and interests on the international stage, including Panama's sovereignty over the Canal. China-Panama cooperation is South-South cooperation and mutual support and assistance between developing countries for common development and prosperity. China has never had any geopolitical considerations in the Latin American region.

Wang Yi said, Panama is a major logistics hub in the Western Hemisphere, and also among the first group of Latin American countries taking part in the joint building of the Belt and Road. China has become the largest trading partner of Panama as the bilateral trade volume increased by 27.2 percent and Panama's export to China went up by 187 percent from January to October of this year. The two sides should strengthen the synergy of development strategies, promote practical cooperation, and help the development and revitalization of the two countries. China is also willing to strengthen coordination with Panama in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the China-CELAC Forum, push the development of the international order towards a more just and rational direction, and better safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries.

Mouynes said that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Panama and China four years ago is undoubtedly a right decision. Now, China has become an important strategic partner of Panama and Latin America at large. China-Panama relations have broad prospects with great potential and room for cooperation. Panama firmly pursues a friendly policy towards China, abides by the one-China principle, and looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations with China while deepening practical cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, as well as logistics. The Panamanian government announced to designate the Chinese Lunar New Year as a national holiday of Panama from 2022, and include the Spring Festival celebrations in Panama's international tourism promotion plan, which fully demonstrates Panama's positive willingness to further promote the Chinese culture. Panama is also willing to strengthen cooperation with China in Latin American regional and sub-regional organizations.