Panamanian FM Says Chavez Visit Positive
Panamanian Foreign Minister Samuel Lewis Navarro on Friday described Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez´s visit as positive for the development of diplomatic and commercial relations. Chavez, Torrijos for LatAm Hegemony

Speaking at a press conference, Lewis Navarro referred to the cooperation agreement signed by the two countries in the field of fuel. The accord will allow Panama to become a regional energy center.

On Thursday, Chavez and his Panamanian counterpart, Martin Torrijos, met at the Peace Hall of the Presidential Palace, where they penned a Framework Agreement on Cooperation that will pave the way to sign another four memorandums of understanding.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ali Rodriguez and Lewis Navarro signed a protocol to establish the mechanisms for consultation and political coordination.

At the same time, Venezuelan Energy and Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez and Panamanian Trade and Industry Minister Alejandro Ferrer inked two memorandums on the handling and storage of hydrocarbons, oil supply and refining in Panama, and transportation and handling of natural gas.

Chavez arrived in this capital on Thursday at Torrijos´ invitation to attend the celebrations on the 180th anniversary of the Anfictionic Congress called by Simon Bolivar in 1826.

The Venezuelan president´s visit concluded on Friday after a news conference in the afternoon.