Panamanian vice minister praises 'very good moment' in ties with Türkiye

The bilateral relationship between Türkiye and Panama has reached an exceptionally positive phase, according to Carlos Guevara Mann, Panama's vice minister of foreign affairs for multilateral affairs and cooperation. Speaking during an official visit to the Turkish capital Ankara, the Panamanian diplomat described the ties between the two nations as sincere and built on mutual respect.

"We have a very cordial, very respectfully-based relationship, and this is a source of great satisfaction for us," Mann told reporters, emphasizing that Ankara and Panama City maintain comprehensive collaboration across numerous sectors. The vice minister noted that commercial exchanges between the two countries have seen significant growth in recent years, with both sides actively exploring new opportunities in education, science, technology, and cultural fields.

Turkish Airlines Strengthens Connectivity

Mann pointed to Turkish Airlines' operations as a major factor enhancing bilateral relations. The national carrier currently operates ten weekly flights connecting Istanbul to Panama City, creating what the vice minister described as a strategic bridge between regions. "Istanbul is really the port of entry for Panamanians and Latin Americans to the east, the same way that Panama is the port of entry for Turkish people and people from Eastern Europe and Central Asia to Latin America," he explained.

This air connectivity has transformed both nations into gateway hubs, facilitating not only tourism but also business exchanges and cultural interaction between Latin America and Eurasia. The vice minister expressed satisfaction with how this transportation link has contributed to deepening people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Multilateral Cooperation and Cultural Exchanges

During his Ankara visit, Mann engaged in consultations with Turkish officials on strategic issues while also advancing discussions on cultural and academic exchange programs. The vice minister underlined the importance of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Amphictyonic Congress convened by Simon Bolivar in Panama in 1826, a historic event aimed at uniting Latin American nations.

The Panamanian delegation followed up on cooperation initiatives spanning archaeology, science and technology, and cultural preservation. Mann described his first visit to Ankara as a charming experience, adding that he felt at home thanks to the warm reception from Turkish officials and the people of the capital. He extended gratitude to his country's diplomatic mission in Ankara and the Turkish government for their hospitality throughout the visit.