First Panamanian Embassy to China opens in Beijing

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Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela arrived in Beijing on Thursday to witness the opening of its brand new embassy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi participated in the opening ceremony.

Wang said this is not only an important step for both countries, but an important achievement for the president himself – it would be a dream of 10 years in the making.

Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela (L) and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend the inauguration of the Panama embassy in Beijing, China, November 16, 2017. /Reuters Photo

President Varela expressed his appreciation and thanks to China in making this a reality and he said he is looking forward to meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The two presidents will meet on Friday.

This is the first official visit by a Panamanian leader to the Asian country coming five months after the nations established diplomatic relations.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) speaks as he and Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela (R) attend the inauguration of the Panama embassy in Beijing, China, November 16, 2017. /CGTN Photo

The two presidents will hold bilateral meetings and sign a series of agreements ranging from economic, trade, tourist and diplomatic outlook. The visiting president will lead his 100-plus delegation on a 4.5-hour bullet train trip from Beijing to Shanghai, spending two of his seven days of the trip to pay homage to a city that impressed him years back.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) addresses the inauguration of the Panama embassy in Beijing, China, November 16, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Varela first floated the idea of cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan a year after he became the leader of his party in 2006, with Panama announcing its decision this June to recognize one China and that Taiwan is part of the country.

Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela (L) and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend the inauguration of the Panama embassy in Beijing, China, November 16, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Now that he has achieved his political aim, Varela will spend his week-long visit focusing on business, namely inking trade deals between the Central American country and China.