Media Statement

14 April 2012

Deputy Minister Fransman to host Panama Counterpart

The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Mr Francisco Alvarez de Soto, will be visiting South Africa from 16 – 21 April 2012, at the invitation of Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Marius Fransman.

The visit will focus on the strengthening of political and economic relations between South Africa and Panama.

This will be the first high-level bilateral visit from Panama to South Africa since full diplomatic relations were established on 10 January 1995. The Government of Panama opened an Embassy in Pretoria in August 2000. South Africa is non-residentially represented in Panama from Lima, Peru, with an Honorary Consulate in Panama.

During his visit, Vice Minister lvarez de Soto will also meet with the Deputy Ministers of Finance; Trade and Industry; Science and Technology; Public Enterprises; Home Affairs and the South African Police Services.

The visit promises to provide impetus to South Africa’s already solid bilateral and multilateral relations with Panama, a prominent maritime country and a hub for trade with strong economic growth. The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most important and strategic maritime passages, benefitting global freight circulation and economic activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela spokesperson for DIRCO on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria