The year 2021 witnessed the sound growth of the relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Panama, and steady progress in various areas of their practical cooperation.

The two countries maintained frequent high-level interactions. At the China-hosted second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference in October, President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen attended the opening ceremony of the conference as the only head of state from Latin America and delivered a pre-recorded speech. In July, NPC Chairman Li Zhanshu sent a congratulatory message to Crispiano Adames Navarro on his election as president of the National Assembly. In October, NPC Vice Chairman Cai Dafeng had a video meeting with Vice President of the National Assembly Miguel Angel Fanovich. In December, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Panama’s Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes had a phone call and exchanged views on bilateral relations. In June, Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes sent a congratulatory letter to State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the fourth anniversary of China-Panama diplomatic relations, and State Councilor Wang replied in high recognition of the bilateral relations.

Bilateral cooperation in multiple fields made steady progress. After the outbreak of COVID, China and Panama joined hands to combat the virus and tide over difficulties, writing a new chapter in the bilateral relations. President Cortizo attached great importance to the cooperation, and personally attended the ceremony for the donation of modular mobile hospital to Panama by the city of Shanghai. China’s provinces, municipalities and businesses actively donated anti-COVID supplies to and shared experience with Panama. Two-way trade volume has grown against the trend, and China has become Panama’s largest trading partner. As the second biggest user of the Panama Canal, China accounted for about 24.3 percent of the total cargo throughput. The main body construction project of Fuerte Amador Cruise Port, undertaken by Chinese firms, was officially handed over. The two countries worked in coordination to advance the fourth bridge project over the Panama Canal. China-Panama cooperation in such fields as education, people-to-people exchanges, shipping and logistics progressed smoothly. The government of Panama designated Spring Festival a national holiday of the country.