MFA Press Statement: State Visit of the President of the Republic of Panama Ricardo Martinelli to Singapore, 17-19 October 2010

President of the Republic of Panama Ricardo Martinelli called on President S R Nathan and met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today. President Martinelli is in Singapore for a State Visit from 17 to 19 October 2010 at the invitation of President Nathan. This is the first State Visit by a Panamanian President to Singapore.

President Nathan welcomed President Martinelli to Singapore and reaffirmed the warm ties between Singapore and Panama. Both Presidents acknowledged the many similarities between Panama and Singapore, and they agreed that both countries can benefit by learning from each other. President Martinelli expressed keen interest in learning about Singapore's education system, and to capitalise on training opportunities provided under the Singapore Cooperation Programme. President Nathan and President Martinelli also discussed ways to enhance linkages between the two countries. President Nathan will host a State Banquet in honour of President Martinelli tonight.

During Prime Minister Lee's call on President Martinelli, the two Leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. President Martinelli reiterated that he would like to learn from Singapore's development experience. President Martinelli also briefed Prime Minister Lee on the plans to expand the Panama Canal and the economic opportunities in Panama. Prime Minister Lee and President Martinelli agreed that they should encourage businessmen from both countries to get to know each other better to facilitate greater economic cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo called on Panamanian Vice-President and Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Varela. Vice-President Varela and Minister Yeo agreed that relations between Singapore and Panama are very good and substantive. They discussed other potential areas of cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and international developments. After the courtesy call, Vice-President Varela and Minister Yeo signed the Singapore-Panama Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
18 OCTOBER 2010