Panama, May 10: Reaching the next leg of the South American nation’s tour, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and President of Panama signed two agreements on exemption of Visas for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports and in the field of Agriculture. VP Naidu was received by Minister of Presidency, Panama, Mr. Alvaro Aleman, the Director General of Protocol (Ceremonial), Mr. Francio Torres, the Ambassador of India to Panama, Shri Ravi Thapar on 9th May.
These agreements were signed in the presence of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela Rodrigues and Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado in Panama city. Having cordial base of relationship both the nations, India and Panama share common interest in their values, commitment to democracy, rule of law and multi-culturalism.
Giving a joint statement, VP Naidu said that Panama has extended a helping hand by consolidating Latin America’s support against the global menace of terrorism. India is standing firm on its zero tolerance level for terrorism, the country reiterates its resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Mr. Naidu lauded Panama for including India for strengthening relations for its Falcon policies. Further the VP Naidu also has implied on having support from Panama in the (i) India’s candidature to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2019-2021, for which elections will be held in October 2018. And secondly for The Council of International Telecom Union (ITU), the elections for which will be held in October – November 2018 in Dubai, UAE.
VP Naidu said about 32 million Indians and Persons of Indian Origin are living in different parts of the world, making us one of the largest expatriate communities in the world. Mr Naidu said, India over the last four years has taken rapid strides on several fronts under a stable government and able leadership. He said, this stability and ability are very crucial for fully harnessing the untapped energies of our people.