Bilateral relations and opportunities for Italian companies at the centre of the talks between Undersecretary Silli and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of[...]

Italian Undersecretary of State Giorgio Silli today received the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama Carlos Ruiz Hernández at the Italian Foreign Ministry to discuss the state of bilateral relations between Italy and Panama as well as some of the main regional dossiers.

"Italy and Panama are tied by strong bonds of friendship and excellent relations on the political, economic and cultural levels," commented Undersecretary Silli, who stressed the willingness of both countries to soon convene the first session of the Political Dialogue Mechanism. "We are willing to engage in economic cooperation, increase trade and investment, and contribute, with our businesses, to Panama's economic growth and diversification," concluded Silli.

During the meeting, investment opportunities for Italian companies in Panama were explored, particularly in the infrastructure sector. Possible collaborations in the high-tech and defence sectors were also addressed. Undersecretary Silli expressed satisfaction with the cooperation in the justice sector achieved through the "Falcone and Borsellino" legal diplomacy programme with the aim of further intensifying synergies in the area of countering corruption, organised crime and money laundering.

Finally, during the meeting, Italian involvement with partners in the region aimed at ensuring respect for Venezuelans' right to vote democratically was reaffirmed, and issues related to the other areas of crisis in the region were addressed.