Panamanian President Varela, who is on a state visit to China, said in Beijing on the 18th that Panama supports and is willing to actively participate in the "Belt and Road Initiative" construction.
As the first Panamanian president to visit China, Varela attaches great importance to linking Pakistan's development strategy with the construction of "Belt and Road Initiative". In his speech at Renmin University of China, he expressed the hope to strengthen cooperation with China in ports, maritime affairs, shipping, railways, logistics and other fields.
As the first Latin American head of state to visit China after the 19th CPC National Congress, Varela said that he is willing to make use of Panama's unique geographical advantages to play a positive role in extending "Belt and Road Initiative" cooperation to Latin America.
The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world. Panama is known as an important grounding for the natural extension of the Maritime Silk Road to Latin America in the 21st century.
Varela said in his speech that Panamanian financial institutions are conducting a feasibility study on the specific project of docking "Belt and Road Initiative" construction.
"our cooperation is based on mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual benefit. Varela said that since China and Pakistan established diplomatic relations five months ago, they have carried out a lot of activities and achieved very fruitful results.
He met with Chinese leaders, attended the opening ceremony of the Panamanian Embassy in China, witnessed the signing of nearly 20 bilateral cooperation agreements, and obtained an honorary doctorate from Renmin University of China. During his current visit to China, Varela personally experienced many historic moments, which, in his words, "realized the wish of many years."
"when I first came to China in 2007, I was very surprised and envious of China's economic development. At that time, I formed a very firm belief that we should pursue the one-China policy and develop friendly relations with China. "Varela said in his speech.
China and Panama formally established diplomatic relations on June 13, 2017. "I think it is a correct decision to establish diplomatic relations with China, and I will firmly follow the right path. "said Varela.