Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo held discussions with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo during his visit to Panama.
The talks centered around bilateral and regional cooperation, trade, and renewable energies.
President Cortizo expressed Panama’s interest in strengthening relations with the Republic of Korea, highlighting the significance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Republic of Korea and the Republics of Central America, which came into force in 2021.
The Minister of Commerce and Industries, Federico Alfaro, emphasized the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries, noting a 98% increase in Panama’s exports to South Korea in 2022.
The key exports included copper, roasted or decaffeinated coffee, cane sugar, frozen fish, and tuna.
The meeting between the leaders marked the first official visit of a high-level South Korean official to Panama in 13 years, with the previous visit by former President Lee Myung-bak taking place in 2010.
The discussions also involved an extended meeting with officials from both countries’ ministries, including the Minister of Commerce and Industries, the counselor of Private Investment Facilitation, the chief of staff and national secretary of Public-Private Partnership, and the vice-minister of Economy.
The visit further strengthens the cooperation and collaboration between Panama and South Korea, fostering mutual interests and opportunities in various sectors.