Taipei – Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli is to arrive in Taiwan Thursday for a three-day visit to boost diplomatic and trade ties, the Foreign Ministry in Taipei said.
(m&c)Taiwan sees Martinelli’s visit as a sign of the two countries’ stable relationship as he is the first Panamanian president to visit Taiwan in nearly six years.
Panama is one of the 23 mostly small nations that recognize Taiwan instead of China.
‘The Republic of China [Taiwan] and Panama have established diplomatic ties for one century,’ Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said. ‘… The two countries will deepen their cooperation and promote their friendly ties.’
During his visit, Martinelli is to hold talks with President Ma Ying-jeou, meet with Taiwan investors, and visit the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit System and the Nankang Software Park, the ministry said.
Taiwan is the last stop on Martinelli’s three-nation Asia tour. He has visited Singapore and South Korea to boost trade ties with these two countries as well.
