Ties with Panama 'absolutely right'

President Xi Jinping (L) holds talks with his Panamanian counterpart Juan Carlos Varela in Panama City, Panama, on Dec 3, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

China would like to initiate free trade negotiations with Panama on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, Xi said, adding that China welcomes Panamanian exports, including seafood, meat and pineapples.

The two countries should enhance people-to-people exchanges and exchanges between localities to encourage people to visit the other country, Xi said.

The two countries should enhance coordination on global affairs, jointly face the challenges of protectionism and unilateralism and better maintain the interests of developing countries, he added.

The Panamanian president welcomed Xi's historic state visit, saying that it will definitely promote friendship between people from both countries.

It's good to see that the consensuses reached by the two presidents are being implemented and that the two countries are carrying out projects in infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges, Varela said.

Panama firmly supports the one-China policy, he said, adding that Panama agrees with Xi's important thoughts, such as building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Panama supports the building of the Belt and Road, and it expects to enhance cooperation with China in investment, maritime transport and a free trade zone, Varela said, adding that Panama welcomes Chinese investors.

Varela said that Panama would like to negotiate with China on a free trade agreement as early as possible to promote trade between the two countries.

Panama-China cooperation will not only bring benefits to the people of both nations but also contribute to global peace and prosperity, he said.