On September 25, 2018 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Juan Carlos Varela of Panama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel Saint Malo de Alvarado of Panama attended the meeting.

Juan Carlos Varela asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. Juan Carlos Varela expressed that the Panamanian side is satisfied with the rapid development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Panama and China for more than a year. With joint efforts of both sides, bilateral cooperation is producing very positive results, which proves once again that the Panamanian side's decision to establish diplomatic relations with China is right. This decision has gained extensive support from the Panamanian people and has also won praises from many countries in the region. Panama's determination to develop relations with China is unwavering, and the Panamanian people will surely become good friends of the Chinese people. The Panamanian side attaches importance to China's important influence and positive role on the international arena and firmly supports the one-China principle. On this basis, the Panamanian side stands ready to promote bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people and cultural engagement. Panama speaks highly of the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to actively participate in it, and believes that it will give a strong boost to Panama-China cooperation. It is believed that with meticulous cultivation of both sides, Panama-China friendship will surely thrive and benefit the future generations.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to President Juan Carlos Varela. Wang Yi expressed that Mr. President made a successful visit to China last November. The personal care and promotion of President Xi Jinping and Mr. President have injected strong impetus into exchanges and cooperation between China and Panama. Despite its small size, Panama's bold decision to establish diplomatic relations with China reflects the broad mind and global vision of the Panamanian government and people. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Panama 15 months ago, bilateral relations have formed a favorable situation just like ten thousand horses galloping ahead with full vitality, with cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, finance, infrastructure, power grid, direct flights of civil aviation, culture and education being rapidly advanced. We are willing to, together with the Panamanian side, meet each other halfway, fully stimulate the cooperation potential between the two countries, and benefit the two peoples with more cooperation results. We are full of confidence in the prospects of China-Panama relations.