The former president of the Republic of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, has come to the defense of the decision made during his term to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Varela pointed out that this measure was crucial to strengthen Panama's international position and was carried out with total transparency and dignity.
"As the president of a sovereign country, I acted together with my government with transparency and dignity, convinced that this decision would strengthen our position in the international arena and honor Panama's historical vocation as a bridge between nations and a place of convergence for dialogue and global cooperation," Varela expressed.
The former president emphasized that by establishing ties with China, Panama joined the position of more than 182 countries and the principles of the United Nations system, receiving significant support in the international community. Furthermore, he denied that the diplomatic relationship with China had affected the operation of the Panama Canal or its neutrality, dispelling rumors about port concessions or decisions made prior to his administration.
Varela also clarified that this relationship with China did not compromise Panama's close strategic relationship with the United States. During his administration, the largest U.S. investment in Panama was realized, with more than two billion dollars invested by the AES company in a transparent process.
The former president called on the authorities of both countries to find agreements through diplomatic means that allow for progress in the strategic relationship with the United States, ensuring constructive and peaceful coexistence between both powers in Panama and the region, to the benefit of both peoples.
Finally, Varela stated that he is willing to answer any questions about the establishment of relations with China, both from the Panamanian and U.S. political leadership, reaffirming that his actions were always aligned with the interests of the country and with the principles of dialogue and respect in the international arena.
