Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela (L) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi inaugurate the Chinese embassy in Panama City, Panama, on Sept. 17, 2017. (Xinhua/Dan Hang)
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the inauguration ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Panama on Sunday, together with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela.
In a speech delivered at the ceremony, Wang said that although there were interruptions in the development of China-Panama relations, bilateral ties have finally embarked upon a correct path with bright prospects.
"This is a historic moment for China-Panama relations," Wang said, noting that the Chinese embassy will strictly observe its duty to implement the Chinese government's policy of friendship with Panama, so as to open up a new era of common development.
"The Chinese embassy in Panama will be the new home for the Chinese community and Chinese companies in Panama. It will provide them with support and warmth when they have needs or find themselves in difficulty," said Wang to the assembled crowd.
Wang also expressed his gratitude to all those who made the establishment of diplomatic relations possible, such as the Chinese community whose early members first arrived in Panama about 160 years ago.
"Though oceans apart, China and Panama share a long history of friendship," Wang noted, saying that the early overseas Chinese in Panama made an indelible contribution to Panama's development and construction. He expressed the hope that they will keep playing the role as bridges to promote bilateral ties between the two countries.
He also appreciated those committed to establishing diplomatic relations between China and Panama, which would open broad prospects for the development of Panama and bring great happiness to the peoples of both countries.
"History will prove that the decision to establish diplomatic relations between Panama and China meets the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries," said Wang in the speech.
The two countries were charting down a new long-term path which "will bring hope, cooperation and mutual benefits," Wang noted, adding that China is willing to continue working with Panama to consolidate mutual trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
