And the Chinese ambassador to Panama says President Xi's visit will inject new energy into bilateral ties.

WEI QIANG CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO PANAMA "President Xi's visit to Panama will be the first by a Chinese president to the Central American country. I think the Belt and Road Initiative will bring benefits to both sides. Working with Panama will enable Chinese companies to reach out to the entire Latin America and Caribbean region. And Panama will reinforce its role as a trade and transportation hub, by attracting more investment and bringing in advanced technologies."