Panama is certainly stepping up to the world stage. As was the case under Varela with increased business with Communist China ( the leader in Human Rights abuse), the red carpet is rolled out for the Saudis. I find it interesting the tour is led by a woman. It would NOT be the case in Riyadh.

http://elsiglo.com.pa/economia/canciller-mouynes-reune-ministro-asuntos-exteriores-arabia-saudita/24194669

On the agenda of this meeting, the commitments to decarbonisation and the energy transition stand out, with green hydrogen as the fuel of the future

Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes received on Tuesday the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Adel bin Ahmed al Jubeir, who is on an official visit to strengthen economic and commercial ties with Panama.

“This visit is part of the strategy to strengthen relations with Asia and the Middle East, areas of the planet with which Panama hopes to strengthen cooperation, economic and investment agreements, along with cultural exchange that directly benefits our people,” describes the statement from the Panamanian Foreign Ministry.

They explain that among the topics on the agenda, the commitments to decarbonization and energy transition, with green hydrogen as the fuel of the future, were the ones that aroused the greatest interest from the parties. In this innovative area of ​​research for global transportation, Panama appears as a necessary regional distribution and supply point.

In the letter they highlight that the competitive advantages of Panama as an export platform, with the interoceanic canal and the “hub” of the Americas, and the most important banking center in Latin America, place the country in front of numerous possibilities for collaboration.

“Panama is the gateway to the region for the Middle East and Asia. Our strategic position places us ahead and allows us to effectively be the bridge of the Americas. It is our right and our opportunity to articulate ourselves as the key partner that we are for the world”, declared Minister Mouynes about the meeting.

The chancellor also highlighted the common interest in “green” solutions and in the circular economy to develop key sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation and tourism, in accordance with the 2030 Vision promoted by Saudi Arabia and with which Panama coincides, with special emphasis on the privileged geographical situation of both countries.

Saudi Arabia, which is one of the world’s largest gas exporters, is leading the “Middle East Green Initiative” to promote clean fuel alternatives and has set up a $10 billion fund intended to support the circular carbon economy. (CEC).

Considered the nineteenth economy in the world according to its gross domestic product and a member of the G-20, Saudi Arabia is seeking international meeting points to reduce dependence on oil and diversify its economy.

After today’s meeting, it was reported that Panama will promote the participation of Saudi companies in the next business rounds and virtual fairs organized by PROPANAMA and, likewise, the invitation was extended to the country to participate in Expocomer 2022, which will be held between on March 22 and 26.

The Foreign Ministry concludes that the visit of the Saudi delegation to Panama consolidates the will of Panamanian diplomacy to strengthen bilateral and multilateral collaboration in political, economic, social and cultural matters with countries on the Asian continent, from where important visits from high level, which will be followed, in the coming months, by those announced by the foreign ministers of India and Turkey.