Another historic moment in the relationship between Barbados and Panama was witnessed today, Panama Day, with the official opening of the Embassy’s Office at Aastra House, St Matthias Gap, Hastings, Christ Church.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds; Barbados’ Ambassador to Panama, Amanda Martinez; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, Javier Martínez-Acha; and Panama’s first resident Ambassador to Barbados, Xiomara Pérez Rodriquez. Other government officials and members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance.
Symmonds noted that the occasion marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations, which share commonalities of culture and ancestral bonds that were developed between 1904 and 1914, when thousands of Barbadians journeyed to Panama to participate in the monumental task of constructing the Panama Canal.
The foreign affairs minister indicated that Panama is a priority country for Barbados and one of its stronger bilateral partners in Central America. He said it is also a key partner in regional efforts at designing and negotiating beneficial trade and economic cooperation agreements between CARICOM and other countries or groups of countries.
“As we look at the relationship that we have with Latin America, it has been the commitment of this country and this administration to deepen that relationship….
“In Panama, we have found a brother, a country which shares our values, which shares our ideals, which shares our ambitions, and frankly, which is very welcoming and accommodating,” Symmonds stated.
The minister said the significant milestone, for many reasons, is an important opportunity to build out established synergies, while developing new opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
“So … that our people’s cultural interest, our people’s commercial interest, our people’s day to day lived realities can coincide and intertwine in a way that allows for us to have a shared development, not only between Barbados and Panama, but between Barbados and this region,” he added.
Minister Martínez-Acha, who is on an official two-day visit to the island, also highlighted the cultural and ancestral ties between Panama and Barbados, which can be seen in his country’s cuisine, music, language, and traditions.
“Our shared heritage celebrates diversity and unity in reaching both nations, but also Barbados and Panama are partners in regional leadership…. Our nations can leverage each other’s strength for the prosperity of our people. Let it be known our passion is built on respect and people-to-people ties. Our relationship is not just about government, it’s about people, families, artists, academics, and entrepreneurs who continue to build bridges across the Caribbean Sea, proving that our shared past is the foundation for an even brighter shared future,” he stated.
Martínez-Acha added that he was proud to be the foreign minister to inaugurate the Panama Embassy in Barbados, a country that is more than diplomatic ties to his country.
Ambassador Pérez described the inauguration of the embassy as “a living bridge” between the two cultures, which will assist in enriching their people, and emphasised the embassy’s readiness to serve Barbadians and Panamanians seeking assistance. (BGIS)
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