LI Xi Meets Panamanian President

April 1, Guanghou - Li Xi, Party Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Committee, met with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela.

Li congratulated Varela on the opening of the Consulate General in Guangzhou and briefed Varela on the latest development of the province. He acknowledged the progress made in cooperation between the two countries in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations and the long history of exchanges between Guangdong and Panama.

Li said, Guangdong, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and President Xi’s important remarks and instructions, is deepening reform and opening-up in an all around way and pressing ahead with the development of Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macau Greater Bay Area.

Li also noted, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area are great opportunities for deepening practical cooperation in trade and investment, transport infrastructure, people-to-people ties, tourism etc.

Varela said he is pleased to visit Guangdong. Guangdong is the largest provincial economy in China and has maintained close ties with Panama. Panama has always been keenly interested in developing mutually beneficial cooperation with Guangdong.

Varela then expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation with Guangdong on trade, tourism and culture under the Guangdong - Hong Kong - Macau Greater Bay Area framework so as to deliver more tangible benefits to peoples of both countries.

Deputy Foreign Minister Qin Gang, and CPC Guangdong Committee leaders Ye Zhenqin and Zheng Yanxiong attended the meeting.

During his stay in Guangdong, Varela participated in the Panama Invest and Panama Fest, two signature investment and tourist promotion events of Panama and announced the opening of the Consulate General in Guangzhou. Vice Governor Ouyang Weimin also attended the functions.