Taiwan's Foreign Minister Optimistic On Ties
With Panama
Panama -
Republic of China Minister of Foreign
Affairs Francisco H.L. Ou expressed optimism
Sunday about the future of ties between his
country and Panama -- one of Taiwan's
diplomatic allies in Central America.
Ou made the remarks in an interview with CNA
in Panama City. He arrived there earlier in
the day for a two-day visit, which he said
is aimed at acquiring knowledge of the
incoming Panamanian government's policies
and top priorities.
He reiterated the ROC government's
willingness to reinforce cooperation with
its ally.
Speaking of the outlook for Taiwan-Panama
ties, Ou said he believes they will continue
on a stable and solid basis, given that the
two countries have maintained friendship
since 1954.
During his stay, Ou said, he will visit
President-elect Ricardo Martinelli and his
appointed foreign affairs minister, Juan
Carlos Varela, for talks that will allow him
to find out the country's development needs,
as well as exchange views on future
cooperation between the two countries.
He will also give a briefing on Taiwan's
development and offer Taiwanese assistance
in helping Panama promote its economic
development, Ou said.
Martinelli and Varela will assume office
July 1.
Ou said the ROC wants to cooperate fully
with the new government of Panama.
Asked about Martinelli's earlier statement
that he would reconsider Panama's relations
with China if elected, Ou said he believes
the president-elect will continue his
country's ties with Taiwan.
Meanwhile, faced with pleas from several
Taiwanese expatriates not to close the
consulate-general office in Panama's Colon,
Ou explained that the decision to shut down
the facility was taken to make better use of
Taiwan's limited diplomatic resources.
He noted that Colon is just a one-hour drive
from Panama City, where the ROC Embassy can
offer all the necessary services. |
