Panama City (VNA)𒀰 – Panama is keen to unlock the full potential of its partnership with Vietnam, its Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez said at an August 20 ceremony in Panama City celebrating 50 years of the diplomatic relations, established on August 28, 1975.

The event was co-hosted by Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico and Panama, and the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Martínez called the anniversary a historic milestone to reflect on past successes and forge a path toward deeper, more sustainable and effective cooperation. He hailed Vietnam’s economic ascent since its Doi Moi (Renewal) began nearly four decades ago, expressing optimism about the country’s important role in Asia and the world.

He thanked Vietnam for being the first nation to sign the Protocol on the Permanent Neutrality and Operations of the Panama Canal, a global logistics hub. He also suggested stepping up a state visit to Vietnam by President José Raúl Mulino and holding political consultations to review recent progress and outline future steps. Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico and Panama Nguyen Van Hai affirming the growing traditional friendship over the past half century. He recalled Panama’s status as one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam after reunification in 1975, stressing that Vietnam always remembers and values Panama’s solidarity during its past struggle for liberation and ongoing national construction process. Bilateral partnership has thrived across politics-diplomacy, economy-trade, cultural exchanges, and at global forums, Hai said, noting that the anniversary opens up a new chapter with vast untapped potential for engagement in both breadth and depth. The diplomat underscored complementary strengths in logistics, shipping, finance, agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. With its strategic location, Panama could serve as a gateway for Vietnamese goods to reach America, while Vietnam could act as a bridge for Panama to enter Southeast Asia. Vietnam stands ready to facilitate Panamanian investment and business activities, particularly by sharing expertise in food security, including rice cultivation, he said. To maximise opportunities, he suggested more high-level visits, signing of key cooperation agreements, and increased trade and investment. He also urged closer collaboration in education-training, culture, and tourism to enhance people-to-people ties, as well as continued mutual support at international forums to uphold international law, multilateralism, and responses to global challenges. With the political will of both governments and strong bonds between their people, Vietnam-Panama relations will continue to grow stronger, delivering concrete benefits to both sides and contributing to global and regional peace, stability, and prosperity, he added. The ceremony also featured a Vietnamese culinary showcase and a photo exhibition spotlighting Vietnam’s people, culture, and the evolution of bilateral ties over the past five decades./.