On the afternoon of November 17, 2017, Premier Li Keqiang met with President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama at the Great Hall of the People, who was in China for a state visit.

Li Keqiang expressed that the official establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama conforms to the trend of the times and the common aspiration of the people, opening up a historic chapter of relations between both countries. President Xi Jinping held talks with Mr. President, and the two sides have comprehensively planned the development blueprint for China-Panama relations. China appreciates Panama's adherence to the one-China policy and is willing to, together with Panama, enhance political mutual trust, integrate the "Belt and Road" initiative with Panama's development strategies, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equal treatment and respecting each other's core interests, which will not only consolidate the foundation for the long-term and rapid development of bilateral relations, but play a positive role in promoting regional and world economy.

Li Keqiang pointed out that China is ready to combine its own advantage as a large trading nation in world's goods with Panama's location advantage as the "world bridge," and carry out cooperation in logistics network. The two sides should grasp the opportunities brought by recovery of the current world economy and global trade, seize the market opportunities and consolidate bilateral friendly exchanges with mutually beneficial cooperation, in a bid to bring well-beings to the two peoples.

Juan Carlos Varela expressed that Panama speaks highly of the tremendous development achievement China's scored and its important influence to the world. Panama firmly believes that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Panama and China is conducive to Panama's economic development and bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. Panama will adhere to the one-China policy, combine its location advantages with China's development superiorities, strengthen cooperation in connectivity and logistics hub construction and jointly promote the development of bilateral relations and cooperation, so as to benefit the two peoples. Panama stands ready to provide sound conditions for Chinese enterprises to invest in Panama, and build the country into the center for Chinese enterprises' cooperation with Latin America.