Above: Martelly with Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haitian President Michel Martelly arrived in Panama Sunday night for talks with President Ricardo Martinelli, following his visit to Caracas this weekend.

The visit for Martelly aims to strengthen relations between the two states, and to negotiate a series of agreements on issues including tourism, culture and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Martelly also aims to strengthen the human rights of Haitian nationals living in Panama and to reduce visa fees for Haitian vendors.

Martelly’s visit to Venezuela, which was primarily to attend the summit of ALBA (of which Haiti is an observer), culminated in the signing of a cooperation agreement.

Panama has been increasing its cooperation with the Caribbean of late, with air carrier COPA making its inaugural flight to Montego Bay in December and and discussing potential trade and tourism links with several countries, including Barbados.