The visit was opened with the first round of joint political consultations between the foreign ministries of Ukraine and Panama. The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, the Panamanian delegation was presided by Deputy Foreign Minister Rudy Alexander Cedeño González.

There was a useful exchange of opinions on the ways of extension of the Ukrainian-Panamanian political dialogue and intensification of trade and economic co-operation. The political talks also provided the opportunity to consider possibilities and prospects for future advancement in all areas of mutual interest, particularly in the fields of culture, science, technology, education and tourism. The practical steps aimed at further developing of the legal base for bilateral cooperation, as well as strengthening of interaction in the world arena, primarily, within the UN bodies, were defined during the meeting.

The two officials underscored the special interest of thier countries in the future opening of the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in the Panamanian capital thus promoting the all-round development of Ukraine-Panama ties.

The two parties agreed to intensify exchange visits on all levels in advance of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Panama in 2013.

Moreover, they analyzed the latest political and economic developments and foreign policy priorities in both states, as well as the regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The first round of political consultations was concluded by signing a corresponding Protocol.

The meeting held in the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama the same day was dedicated to the ways of further boosting the economic cooperation, i.e. by increasing the bilateral trade volume and attracting Panamanian investments in Ukraine.

On June 7, 2012, in the run of the visit to Panama City, Deputy Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin will meet President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Panama Hector Aparicio. The views on the possibilities to deepen the parliamentary dimension of bilateral co-operation will be exchanged, particularly, the issue of establishment of the Parliamentary Panama-Ukraine Friendship Group in the National Assembly of Panama.

Separate talks during the meetings of Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin with executives of the Panama Canal, the Colon Free Trade Zone, and the Panama Pacific Special Economic Area are scheduled for the next two days according to the working visit program. The main topics to be discussed are possibilities for the investment flows increase, as well as the prospects for joint projects realization in the fields of hydro power, maritime and air transport, IT industry.