Xi Jinping hails Panama leader as a hero for cutting links with Taiwan in favour of mainland China
President Juan Carlos Valera showered with praise during his first visit to the second largest user of the Panama Canal
Chinese President Xi Jinping has lauded his Panamanian counterpart Juan Carlos Varela as being a “hero” for establishing diplomatic ties with the mainland.
Varela began a weeklong visit on Thursday five months after it cut its links with Taiwan.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of 19 agreements on Friday which include the opening of negotiations over a free-trade agreement between the two countries, cooperation over China’s Belt and Road Initiative, transport infrastructure, electricity, finance, tourism and agriculture.
Varela voiced his support for the “one-China” principle on Thursday as he presided over the ceremony to mark the establishment of his country’s first embassy in Beijing.
Xi said during a meeting with Varela on Friday that the building of bilateral ties was a “long-cherished wish” for generations of people of the two countries, adding that they have “turned over a new leaf”.
“With your strategic vision, political courage and shouldering of responsibility, Mr President, you have made an outstanding contribution, and I commend you for that,” said Xi.